Professional Development Topics

Building Background Knowledge of ELLs and Students of Poverty

• Everyone knows that students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are not well prepared for school and/or are learning to speak English have the toughest time making the grade and showing academic progress.
• During this seminar, teachers will learn how carefully structured instruction can assist English language learners and students from disadvantaged backgrounds close the achievement gap. A step-by-step process will be shared to help teachers understand the role that language acquisition plays in the academic development of students and how specific vocabulary and content literacy strategies can support all students in showing progress.

• Become a careful observer to make appropriate instructional decisions
• Create instruction that targets higher order thinking skills
• Use strategies that can help build background knowledge

With our program design, all English language learners will experience success! Services include assessment and identification, program structure and services, evaluation, parental involvement, and professional development.