Overview

How can teachers help advanced ESOL students develop the language skills they need for college, career, and community involvement? Participants in this two-part workshop will learn how to use the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards (MA ELPS) Level Six benchmarks to develop rigorous, content-based units, lessons, and activities, with particular emphasis on evidence-based argumentation skills, digital literacy, and rubric development for assessment. 

    Audience

    This professional development activity/course is designed for:

  • ESOL instructors of high-intermediate and advanced English learners
Description

The MA ELPS and WIOA have raised the bar for adult English learners and teachers in Massachusetts. The MA ELPS clearly describe the language skills needed for advanced learners' next steps. However, the benchmarks at the higher levels are more complex than many ESOL teachers are accustomed to. Learners are expected to perform a wide range of rigorous language tasks, such as:

  • Reading and analyzing academic and technical texts
  • Carrying out sustained individual research projects
  • Evaluating the credibility and accuracy of diverse media sources

This workshop will guide you to plan instruction to enable learners to achieve these benchmarks.

In Part 1 (5.5 hours), you will:

  • Review the MA ELPS
  • Explore classroom activities that develop the receptive skills of reading and listening
  • Begin writing a unit plan that uses learners' college/career goals as a context for language and digital skills

Between sessions, you will continue to develop your unit plan and try out new strategies and activities in your classroom. Using Google Classroom, you will share your work and collaborate with colleagues, and receive support and feedback from the facilitators (3 hours).

In Part 2 (5.5 hours), you will focus on activities and tools that develop learners' academic and professional writing and speaking skills. A member of the Boston Debate League will facilitate an activity on debating and evidence-based argumentation.

To receive credit, you must participate in all components. Total PD hours: 14.

For more information, contact Dori McCormack at dmccormack@qcc.mass.edu.

    Learning Objectives

    Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

  • Use the MA ELPS to develop learning objectives, assessments, and a curriculum plan that all address the needs and goals of advanced adult English learners
  • Design and implement rigorous instructional activities to help students achieve their academic and/or professional goals
  • Select and use digital tools that will enhance student learning
Presenter(s) / Facilitator(s)
Date
04/24/2020 - 9:30 am to 04/24/2020 - 3:30 pm
05/15/2020 - 9:30 am to 05/15/2020 - 3:30 pm
Location

TERC
2067 Mass. Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
United States

PD Center
SABES English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Curriculum & Instruction PD Center
Topic Area
Assessment
Curriculum Development
Professional Standards
ESOL/English Learners
PDP Eligible
Yes