1. ELLs in Texas: What Teachers Need to Know
PLC Guide
Chapter 6 – Focus on Proficiency and Progress (Part 2)
This PLC meeting covers Chapter Six in ELLs in Texas: What Teachers Need to Know, Focus on Proficiency and Progress (Part 2).
This meeting is the second (Part 2) to cover information found in chapter six.
Each participant needs their copy of the book, highlighter, pen and post-its.
You may want to provide chart paper of a white board.
Click here to view a video from the authors 1

2. Put it on the Table
Share with the group results of your investigation from last meeting’s Make it Real task.
ELL participation in other programs and services on campus
TELPAS ratings (over time) for each ELL you teach
Were any of the data you reviewed surprising? 2

3. Talk 1 Think of a talent or skill that you have.
Answer these questions in a small group:
Is there a difference between being proficient in that talent/skill and making progress in that talent/skill?
If yes, what makes the difference?
Classroom Tip: This is a wonderful way to get kids to participate. Sharing a skill or talent they have or are developing helps form a more authentic connection between the students and other class members. Often, ELLs are perceived only through the lens of the linguistic challenges they face as they acquire English language proficiency. It is eye-opening to learn about those skills or talents they possess. 3

4. Read
Read pp
Pay Attention To the ways in which proficiency and progress are described and explained
Ask participants to draw a connection between what they read, and the graphic at the bottom of p. 232. 4

5. Talk 2 Review the answer to question number 130 on p. 234.
Discuss the following three questions:
1. Why is it helpful to review TELPAS data at the
beginning of the year?
2. How do I know if an ELL is on track to make
expected progress on TELPAS?
3. How do I know if an ELL is making the necessary
academic progress to meet the expectations on STAAR
tests they will be taking this year? 5

6. Write Think about the following stem Write a short response
If an ELL is not making the progress I expect…
Write a short response
(You may wish to review the answer to question 137 on p. 243 after you have written your response for some additional ideas.)
Allow time for participants to look over question 137. You may also want to point out the chart on p. 244 and discuss whether or not your district or campus has a template you can use for this purpose. If not, consider recommending using this one. It would be a valuable document to offer to the LPAC that reviews the progress of ELLs' performance and proficiency. 6

7. Make It Real
Between now and the next time we meet, scan through the Appendix to see the additional materials and support that are available to you.
Select one item from the Appendix to share at the beginning of the next meeting. 7