Spring season is around the corner. This is our second newsletter where we offer suggestions on how to assist Emergent Bilingual child. In this edition, we will provide you resources, strategies, and conferences that will enhance your child's English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to aid in his/her academic successes. This information benefits multilingual students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

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We hope you’re doing well. We’re reaching out to you because we believe your insights are key to supporting your child’s education with programs to help families with English Learners.

Our goal is simple: by working together, we can help students achieve high academic levels and master the English language. This is in line with the Federal Title III law under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

To make these programs better for you and your child, we need your input. Taking just a few minutes to complete this survey will help us understand your needs and improve our support for your child’s success. Please complete the survey by March 8, 2024.

Your participation is incredibly valuable, and together, we can make a positive impact on your child’s educational journey. Thank you for being a crucial part of our efforts.

TELPAS ASSESSMENT

Come join our monthly virtual meeting to learn more about how we can help your child succeed in his/her English language and academic success. This month, we’re focusing on your Emergent Bilingual children and the Texas Educational Language Proficiency System (TELPAS) assessment.

Find out the purpose of the test, what it includes, and how it helps measure your child’s language development.. Discover simple ways you can support your child’s success. Your involvement is key to providing the best support for their education.

Date: March 7, 2024

Time: 5:00-6:00 PM

Location: https://meet.google.com/xoe-krep-jnx

We’re excited to have you join us for this valuable session.

Provide you practical strategies to parents to support their multilingual child's academic and English language development.

Discover groundbreaking insights into early language learning through a comprehensive study involving 1,001 children across 43 languages. Conducted by Harvard University's Elika Bergelson and colleagues, the research challenges previous beliefs and reveals key factors influencing language development in infants and toddlers.

Key Findings:

• Age, clinical factors, and exposure to adult speech drive language development .
• Gender, multilingualism, and socioeconomic status have minimal impact.
• For every 100 adult vocalizations heard per hour, children produced 27 more vocalizations, increasing with age.

This study, utilizing day-long audio recordings and machine learning, provides a nuanced understanding of language acquisition. Contrary to prior research, no significant links were found between language development and gender, multilingualism, or socioeconomic factors. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of adult speech in shaping children's linguistic skills. Dive into this transformative study to gain valuable insights and empower your child's language journey. 🗣️📚

Read the full study

Sharing resources focused on multilingual or bilingual best practices.

If your child is an English learner receiving Special Education services, SPEDTex is here to support you! The Special Education Information Center website offers user-friendly resources to enhance your understanding of special education, fostering stronger partnerships between families and schools.

• Family Resources: Access helpful materials in both English and Spanish.
• My SPEDTex Account: Build a personalized account to tailor information to your needs.
• Call Center: Reach out for assistance with your special education concerns.
• Live Chat Feature: Engage in real-time conversations for immediate support.

Empower yourself with SPEDTex resources to navigate your child's special education journey more effectively. Your partnership with schools just got a boost! 🌟👩‍👦‍👦

Contact SPEDTex:

Website: www.spedtex.org

Phone: 1-855-773-3839

Email: inquire@spedtex.org

Discover valuable resources for your emergent bilingual student by tuning in to the recorded Title III Engagement Series webinar provided by the Texas Educational Agency!

What You'll Gain:

• Insights into engagement activities and resources available in Texas.
• Learn about diverse resources to support both you and your child.
• Sessions are presented in English and nine other languages.

How to Join:

1. Visit the recorded webinar at your convenience.
2. Contact your child’s school for details or if you have questions.

Meet the dynamic duo, Andrés and Christina, also known as the Latin Grammy-winning music sensation, 123 Andrés! They bring a burst of energy and educational fun to young learners with their catchy songs and vibrant concerts. Get ready for a musical adventure that not only gets the whole family dancing but also makes learning English and Spanish an absolute joy. Join the fan club and let your children immerse themselves in the lively world of 123 Andrés, where language learning becomes a rhythm-filled celebration! 🎵🌟

Explore these fantastic free resources to boost your child’s English language skills from the comfort of home!

• Target Skills: Foundational literacy and math
  
• Recommended Grade Levels: K-8
• Play games while learning

1. Opening the Supporting My Child page on TXEL.org
2. Scroll down to the “Education on Literacy at Home” section
3. Click on “ABCya”
4. Select your child’s grade level and enjoy learning through fun activities on your phone or computer.

• Target Skills: Vocabulary
  
• Recommended Grade Levels: 4-12
• Learn about word meanings by focusing on their roots

Access insightful articles for parents on developing literacy skills at home, Discover “Why Reading to Your Kids in Your Home Language will Help Them Become Better Readers” by Lydia Breiseth. Access this article by visiting the “Colorín Colorado” link.

Discover exciting opportunities to support your child’s learning at home with these simple activities:

“I Spy” Game:

Engage your young child in a fun and educational “I Spy” game. Pick an object in the room and say, “I spy something ________.” Describe the object, and let your child guess. Provide clues for each guess. Enhance their attention to color, shape, size, and texture—vocabulary that aids in tests like TELPAS.

Art and Literacy:

Nurture literacy skills through art for drawing enthusiasts. Describe a place or item, and have your child draw it while you add details. Include various sizes, colors, and locations in your descriptions. Check their drawing to ensure understanding or discuss any misunderstandings. Encourage them to consider costs, fostering planning and decision-making skills.

Reading Aloud:

Improve reading comprehension by having your child read aloud. Practice at home by reading to a family member or friend. Choose books at the right reading level; if struggling with more than five words, opt for easier books.

Consult with your child’s teacher for additional support.

Visit TXEL.org for more ideas. Scroll to the “Education on Literacy at Home” section, click on Scholastic, and explore the article under “Skill Builders.”

For high school students exploring scholarship opportunities, check the state controller’s office and the Student Resources page under Post Secondary Readiness. Learn about the 10% Rule for potential automatic admissions to Texas public universities by graduating in the Top 10% of your class.

Unlock a world of learning at home with these enriching activities and resources. 🏡📚

Discover Scholarships: Many groups offer scholarships tailored to students' passions, backgrounds, and skills. High schoolers often wonder, "Where can I find them?" A great starting point is the state comptroller’s office. You can uncover these opportunities on the Student Resources page under Post Secondary Readiness.

Benefit from the 10% Rule: Texas offers a valuable resource called the 10% Rule. It's a pathway to Automatic Admissions for numerous public universities in the state. Your child could qualify by graduating in the Top 10% of their class at any recognized public or private high school in Texas or a U.S. Department of Defense-operated high school. Additionally, they must be a Texas resident or eligible for resident tuition.

Highlighting upcoming events specifically tailored for multilingual students and families.

Dear Parents,

Join us at the 2024 Title III Symposium for an enriching experience! Discover valuable instructional tools and research-based strategies ensuring your emergent bilingual students achieve English proficiency while excelling in academic content. The event, held at the beautiful Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas, promises innovative sessions by statewide practitioners, including TEA staff.

What to Expect:

• Relevant, research-based strategies empowering diverse emergent bilingual students.
• Special sessions inviting other special populations.
  
• Increased academic achievement and positive school outcomes for all students.

Theme: "United We Thrive”

• Recognizing the benefits of bilingualism.
• Advancing our students to their highest potential.

• Gain insights from experts.
  
• Connect with practitioners statewide.
• Ensure your child's success.

Keep yourself in the know about valuable resources and support for your Emergent Bilingual child by subscribing to TEA's Txel.org web portal. Stay informed, click on "Subscribe Today!" 🌐✉️

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