English Language Learners January 31, 2011 Elk Island Public Schools Dianne Molzan

Presentation Outline Purpose of Benchmarks Understanding BICS and CALP Who, When and How to use Benchmarks Photo Story 3 Wiki

Purpose of ESL Benchmarks Provide descriptions of language ability demonstrated at each proficiency level Support initial identification of language proficiency level Guide effective instruction and program planning for English language learners

Purpose of ESL Benchmarks The Benchmarks support teachers in: monitoring and reporting progress planning for explicit language instruction within everyday classroom learning communicating with students and parents to develop an understanding of language proficiency

Activating Prior Knowledge If everyone understands kind, why is it important to know, understand and use other words? Kind can mean more than “nice”. It also means: type, manner, style, nature, form, hue, category, class. Why is knowing words have multiple meanings important? Why is it important for teachers to understand varying degrees of language proficiency?

Cummins’ BICS and CALP BICS Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills CALP Cognitive Academic Linguistic Proficiency takes 1 or 2 years to acquiretakes 5 to 10 years to acquire social languageacademic language high-frequency vocabularylow-frequency vocabulary simple language structurescomplex language structures context embedded ( e.g., meanings are concrete and supported by extra-linguistic cues such as gestures, objects and actions) context reduced (e.g., meanings are abstract so extra- linguistic cues are not readily available and must be constructed through scaffolded language) Concrete contextsabstract contexts Often low-pressure situationsOften high-pressure situations

Cummins’ BICS and CALP LanguageLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5 Social (BICS) Academic (CALP) At the lower proficiency levels, students rely on BICS. As they gain proficiency, they steadily acquire CALP and they rely more and more on CALP for their academic success.

Linguistic Understanding and using:  vocabulary  language conventions (grammar, punctuation and spelling)  syntax (e.g., sentence structure) Strategic Using techniques for:  overcoming language gaps  planning and assessing the effectiveness of communication  achieving conversational fluency  modifying text for audience and purpose Understanding how ideas are connected through:  patterns of organization  cohesive and transitional devices Discourse Having awareness of:  social rules of language (e.g., formality, politeness, directness)  nonverbal behaviours  cultural references (e.g., idioms, expressions, background knowledge) Socio-linguistic Communicative Competence “the ability to recognize and produce authentic and appropriate language in social and academic settings”

Who can use the ESL Benchmarks? All teachers of English language learners ESL coordinators, consultants and specialists Resource teachers School administrators

When are the Benchmarks used? Ideally, the Benchmarks will be used for: intake assessment to establish initial language proficiency, appropriate programs and instructional starting points language proficiency levels at each reporting period monitoring of language proficiency throughout school year

Screening before Registration I Registration:  If the student is English as a Second Language, complete the ESL Registration Form. Check: o Other languages spoken at home o Interpreter required for Intake and conferences o Book appointment with school Intake Team (ESL) School Intake:  Admin. Team member welcomes students and family  School Intake Team (ESL) completes Student Intake Information Form with family of student. Student should be present, if appropriate. Book interpreter if necessary. Allow 30 minutes.  Review ESL Registration Form  School Intake Team (ESL) schedules a time for student to complete Assessment Screen. School Intake Team (ESL) determines levels and appropriate assessments for the student based upon information gleaned during the interview.  Orientation to school (including tour of school). School Quick Screen:  Purpose: to determine class placement, establish baseline data and gather instructional starting points.  Results should be summarized and communicated to teachers and staff working with the student. May include:  Reading running record, decoding, assessment and reading comprehension  Writing composition (English)  Mathematical computational skills  Informal conversation on topics of student interest and/or curriculum content Placement/Program:  Elem. Classroom placement to be determined based on information gathered during school screen.  Jr. High and Sr. High timetable should be assigned only after results of school screen,  Student and family should be advised of recommended Special Education coding (if applicable), placement suggestions, programming modifications and timetable.

Reporting Use the Benchmarks to assist you in writing comments related to language proficiency for individual students. In his writing, Hassan uses the new vocabulary that he has learned. He writes in simple sentences and adds some detail. He can sequence his ideas logically. Shujin speaks using familiar words. She speaks in short one to four word phrases and simple sentences. She asks and answers simple questions.

My Summer with ELL Adults Canadian Teachers Federation Project Overseas 2 billion use internet 5 billion use cell phones

Photo Story 3 Capture memories Capture memories Create slideshows using your digital photos. With a single click, you can touch-up, crop, or rotate pictures Bring photos to life Bring photos to life Add stunning special effects, soundtracks, and your own voice narration to your photo stories. Then, personalize them with titles and captions Share your stories Share your stories Small file sizes make it easy to send your photo stories in an . Watch them on your TV, a computer, or a Windows Mobile–based portable device

What is a WIKI A wiki is a web site that lets any visitor become a participant All you need is a computer with an Internet connection A wiki is continuously “under revision.” The word "wiki" comes from Hawaiian language, meaning "quick" or "fast."

BLOG versus WIKI Canadian Teachers Federation Project Overseas WIKI BLOG of+our+Adventure

Now it’s your turn… Create a Photo Story using photos Or Set up a educational wiki EXPLORE

Thank You ESL Benchmarks (search word ESL) ESL Information AB Ed Contacts or WIKI Information