English Learners Monthly Update
February 2020
Black history is American history, however, observing Black History Month in February gives us a chance to be intentional about learning this particular topic. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans.
Here are some ideas on how to incorporate this month with your ELs:
- Use “Article-a-Day” sets from ReadWorks. ReadWorks has curated a special collection for Black History Month. The articles are intended for a K-12 audience. They rate their articles by Lexile reading levels, so it is easy to find article sets that are appropriate for multiple levels of readers within the same class while still sticking to the same theme as a whole class. An easy way to open up conversations around these articles is to give students in-class reading time and walk around during that time, asking students what they’re reading about, what they’re learning, and what questions they have.
- Use trailers from movies about Black American history. In the past several years, there have been several popular biopics made about Black history in the U.S. For example, Hidden Figures, The Help, 12 Years a Slave, Marshall, and Selma are all fairly recent popular films featuring stories about Black American history.
- Teaching Tolerance has various lessons for Black History Month
- Education World offers various activities for Black History Month
- We Are Teachers offers some fresh ways to honor contributions of African-Americans
Reminder: Monthly ESOL Webinar Dates!
February 25th
March 24th
April 28th
All webinars will start at 9:00 am!
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://ksde.zoom.us/j/5561856948
KELPA Updates!
Important KELPA Resources Available Now on the KS Website:
KS Assessment Overview (calendar with specific dates)
KELPA Secure materials will be available after the training on January 15 along with all training materials. Secure materials are housed inside the Educator Portal (HELP tab) in Kite.
Goal Setting for the KELPA
Each year, most of us sit down to set some type of goal we want to accomplish for that year and I am sure you set classroom goals with your students often. So, why should the KELPA be any different? In an effort to help you and your students prepare for the KELPA, I am providing you with a sample goal sheet that can be completed with students. Having students actually write out their goals and talk about it with their teachers can be so impactful.
Consider reading this article, Goal Setting with English Learners and Multilingual Students
Please note: Teachers do not have to use any of these of course, but this could be a resource.
Language Grow and Glow Goal Sheet
KELPA Goal Sheet- Lower grades
KELPA Goal Sheet- Lower grades 2
KELPA Goal Sheet- Middle grades
KELPA Testing on iPads and MAC Computers!
In response to requests from the field, students will now be able to use an iPad to complete KELPA speaking tests. An app update is required only if you plan to administer speaking tests on an iPad. It is also highly recommended that students use an external headset with a microphone to record responses to ensure the recording is loud and clear for grading.
If your students will be completing the 2020 KELPA speaking tests using a Mac computer, you must install the new KELPA Kite Student Portal client for Mac. This new client is only for KELPA testing so do not uninstall the Student Portal client that you installed this fall. To download the new KELPA client, visit https://ksassessments.org/kite.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Kite Service Desk.
**KELPA practice test logins are available in the Technology Practice Test Guide for Educators on the KAP website along with instructions for educators.**
We Need You: Standards Setting Event!
We are recruiting members for our upcoming Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment (KELPA) standard setting event and we need you! If you work with English Learners, we need your expertise to help us set standards for the new KELPA assessment that is being administered during the 2019-2020 school year.
Event dates: May 19-22, 2020
Event Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Who we want: K-12 educators and/or administrators who work with English Learner students.
Event details: Hotel accommodations will be provided to participants who live beyond 60 miles from Lawrence, mileage will be paid to all participants outside of Lawrence, and breakfast and lunch will be provided to participants. Participants may also be eligible to receive reimbursement for per diem after the event for any meals not provided.
How to let us know you want to participate.
To indicate your interest in participation, you will be using Kite® Survey Solutions. Kite Survey Solutions handles teacher surveys, student observations, and classroom environment questionnaires all in one product and is available on both mobile and web apps. It is free to all Kansas schools and you can find out more about Kite Survey Solutions by visiting the Kansas Assessment Program website.
Completing the Event Interest Form
When completing the form, items marked with a line to the left of the question and an asterisk to the right of the item are required. In some cases, you will be asked to enter a response or to select a response using a drop-down list. For questions including a drop-down list of responses, select the downward pointing arrow to the right of the question to show the responses available to you for the item. In the screenshot below, arrow 1, on the left, is an example of an entered response question and arrow 2, on the right, shows the downward pointing arrow indicating a drop-down list. When you finish, select SUBMIT at the bottom of the form. Selecting the SUBMIT button will close the form and take you back to the Collector Tool home screen. After the Collector Tool home screen appears, you may close the tool.
You do not need a username and/or password to complete this form.
Deadline for completing the Event Interest Form – February 28
Once we have closed the Event Interest Form, our team, along with KSDE, will narrow the list of potential participants to make sure we have a representative group from Kansas to participate in this event. Follow-up emails will be sent to everyone who expressed an interest in the event.
Select the following link to complete the form.
Opportunities for ELs
MIDTESOL Student Essay Contest Announcement
Topics reflect the 2020 conference theme, "Community at a Crossroads: The Right to Education."
For more details about topics, rules and format, and eligibility, Click Here.
To apply, submit the essay and cover page to Lindsey Simanowitz by Friday, March 20, 2020 at 5 pm. You will receive confirmation that your submission was received, and winning recipients will be notified by Friday, April 3 at 5 pm. Essay winners will be also be announced in the summer edition of MIDTESOL Matters as well as at the #MIDTESOL20 conference in Des Moines October 2-3, 2020.
Kansas 911 PSA Video Contest
The Kansas 911 Coordinating Council is updating their statewide public service announcement regarding Text-to-911. This PSA is shared across the state and posted on their website for Emergency Communication Centers to utilize or for the public to view and learn about this technology. The Council is inviting Kansas students to participate in creating the updated PSA. Here is a letter explaining the contest and a list of 911 call summaries from 911 centers across the state who have taken successful text-to-911 calls.
Videos must be submitted to the Council by March 20, 2020.
**How awesome would it be to have our English Learners participate in this and possibly even include multiple languages! **
Spotlight: Using Technology with ELs
One of my favorite aspects of integrating technology into instruction is the availability of resources to support students with different learning needs. Students who are struggling can benefit from the excitement and engagement offered by a tool like the iPad or Chromebook. Teachers of English Learners (ELs) can use technology to promote growth in their students.
*Please note that these are merely suggestions and are not required or sponsored by KSDE.
Here are few for you to consider:
Quizizz
Team Shake by Rhine-o
Say Hi
Real Time Oral Translation App
- Have a conversation in two languages
- Tap a button and start speaking
What will be our next EL Book Club Books?
Based on votes, our second EL Book Club book will be:
ELL Frontiers: Using Technology to Enhance Instruction for English Learners by Andrea M. Honigsfeld
Beginning:
April 1, 2020
Discussions will take place weekly (Wednesdays), online, for one hour with book authors!
Here is the link to the registration, https://events.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=939.
The Importance of Emphasizing Oral Language with English Learners
Vocabulary
- Word of the Day via e-mail
- Picture, sound, basic vocabulary builder
- Phrasal Verbs
- Idioms
- Jokes (with audio)
Reference
Writing Across Disciplines with Ruslana Westerlund - A way to make language visible in all content areas.
This Year's 10 Must-Reads for ELL Educators
ELL Shadowing as a Catalyst for Change, by Ivannia Soto
The End of Average, Todd Rose
Co-Teaching for English Learners: A Guide to Collaborative Planning, Instruction, Assessment, and Reflection, by Maria G. Dove and Andrea Honigsfeld
Teach Like a Pirate, by Dave Burgess
Pedagogy of the Oppressed, by Paulo Freire
Supporting English Learners in the Classroom: Best Practices for Distinguishing Language Acquisition from Learning Disabilities, by Eric M, Haas and Julie Esparza Brown
Con Respeto: Bridging the Distances Between Culturally Diverse Families and Schools: An Ethnographic Portrait, by Guadalupe Valdés
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts., by Brené Brown
The Courage to Teach, by Parker J. Palmer
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
Nominate an Ellevation Educator of the Month
Ellevation Educator of the Month is an award given to an educator that goes above and beyond in supporting the needs of their multilingual students. Whether it’s creating personalized lessons that inspire students, bridging gaps between school and families, or positively impacting the lives of multilingual learners in remarkable ways, we want to celebrate your achievements.
Spotlight YOUR school/district!
If your school or district is doing something awesome that you want to share with others in Kansas, please send your pictures (with descriptions) to nprimm@ksde.org and I will spotlight your happenings in the next month's newsletter.
*In addition, if you would like to see something added to the newsletter, please send your suggestions to nprimm@ksde.org as well!
Professional Development: Online for Free!
Change Leaders for Tier I Excellence Community Call with Toya Ward Singer
February 6th at 4 pm Pacific/7 pm Eastern
Topic Focus: Leading shifts in Tier I classrooms to ensure equity and excellence in culturally and linguistically rich schools.
Why? To connect, share successes, and illuminate our most urgent next steps to shift mindsets and practices for Tier I excellence.
How? Register at this link. Join from any computer or phone.
Catching Happiness:
How to Work Through Burnout and Be a Joy-Filled Teacher
Tuesday, Feb. 11 @ 2 pm ET
Presented by Justin Ashley,
Award-Winning Teacher, Motivational Speaker, and Author
Reading Instruction: When You Know Better, You Do Better
Tuesday, Feb. 18 @ 2 pm ET
Presented by Terrie Noland, C.A.L.P., Vice President, Educator Leadership & Learning, Learning Ally
Unstoppable Literacy Acceleration:
Engagement, Effectiveness, and Equity for Diverse Learners
Tuesday, Feb. 25 @ 4 pm ET
Presented by Dr. Debi Crimmins, Senior Vice President of Customer Advocacy, Achieve3000; and Louisa Aguirre Baeza, Director of Academic Language Programs, Ysleta ISD (TX)
Current Happenings/ Upcoming Events
KSDE Presents: Rapid Literacy: ELL Strategies for Secondary Emergent Readers
Presenter: Carol Salva
February 17, 2020 (President's Day)
Lawrence, KS
8:30-3:30pm
Cost: $25 (lunch provided)
Register here!
KSDE Presents: Access and Equity in CTE: How Do You Include ALL?
How does your district encourage students with special needs and/or unique situations to participate in career programs? Schools offer enriching CTE programs, but we're struggling to enroll those students who might need additional guidance. Join Lori Jensen Wilson from Orion and Wendy Coates from KSDE as we help districts:
-Consider and develop strategies to assist special population and non-traditional students to be successful in CTE programs and post-secondary planning
-Analyze non-traditional and special population district data
-Develop a plan including how to include Perkins grants and accreditation and/or redesign goals
Dates/Locations:
ESSDACK Feb. 17
Orion Feb. 18
SWPRSC Feb. 25
Cost: $25
*Register at Service Centers' websites directly*
EIPA Workshop - The Role of Educational Interpreters: Choices and Challenges in K-12 Interpreting
February 8 - [August] - Information & Registration
February 8 - [Girard] - Information & Registration
February 8 - [Olathe] - Information & Registration
February 8 - [Salina] - Information & Registration
February 8 - [Topeka] - Information & Registration
LETRS Module 2: The Speech Sounds of English: Phonetics, Phonology, and Phoneme Awareness
All participants must have had LETRS module 1 prior to any other module.
Cost: $75 SIS Member Districts / LiNK Districts
Presenter: Melody Gatti
This workshop is eligible for .5 hour of Undergraduate college credit through Pittsburg State University for $59.50.
Test Prep for Endorsement Opportunities!
Test Prep Strategies for ESOL Endorsement
April 8, 2020
Girard, KS
9- 3pm
Cost: $125 for non-members, free to Title III Consortium members
Register here!
The National ESEA Conference
Join your colleagues from across the country February 4-7 for professional development of the highest quality. The National ESEA Conference (formerly, the National Title I Conference) is one of the most highly sought-after education events of the year. In addition to a continued focus on Title I, the Conference embraces all programs within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) impacting disadvantaged students.
Attendees encompass a wide range of professionals – from school district officials, administrators, superintendents, principals and teachers, to state level officials, federal programs coordinators and everyone in between – all working towards the same vital goal – to achieve equity and academic success for all students.
Unparalleled Opportunities Await
Benefit from 4 days of Conference sessions and keynotes
Learn about the latest changes with Title programs and how they affect your state and district
Meet and ask questions of hundreds of education leaders and experts
Engage in peer discussions and group activities with colleagues
Discover relevant educational products and services for ESEA educators
Take advantage of discounted lodging rates in downtown Atlanta
Registration & Hotel Reservations are OPEN!
Sign up today to receive the Early Bird registration discount and best hotel room selection.
Tuesday, Feb 4, 2020, 08:00 AM
Atlanta, GA, USA
49th Annual NABE Conference
49th Annual NABE Conference
Pre-Conference: February 25, 2020
Conference: February 26-28, 2020
Tropicana Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Along with internationally renowned keynote and featured speakers, there will also be special presentations from experts in the field and over 200 concurrent sessions. Participants will also be able to register online for visits to local schools that are implementing successful dual language programs. The NABE Exhibit Hall will showcase educational products and services. NABE’s Job Fair provides a forum for school districts seeking to recruit.
Students, teachers, educational leaders and advocates will be recognized for their efforts to promote the importance of languages, literacy and equity during the NABE General Sessions and NABE Awards Luncheon.
Who should attend NABE: Teachers in the field of dual language, ESL, administrators, paraprofessionals, university professors, students, researchers, advocates, policymakers, and parents
For more information, click here
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020, 08:00 AM
Las Vegas, NV, USA
TESOL International Convention 2020
The TESOL Convention offers professional development opportunities to English language educators at all levels from around the world. With 6,000 attendees and nearly 1,000 sessions, the convention has something for everyone. It’s been more than 10 years since the convention has been in Denver. Join us in Denver to see how much the city had changed and grown since we were there last, all the while maintaining it's ease of getting around and friendly, welcoming downtown.
For more information, click here.
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2020, 08:00 AM
Denver, CO, USA
2020 KCA/KSCA Kansas Counselors Conference
Please join us for the 2020 KCA/KSCA Kansas Counselors Conference:
Follow The Yellow Brick Road To Success
at the
Hilton Garden Inn
Manhattan, Kansas
March 25th, 2020
KACES Pre-Conference
"What is Professional Competence: Ethical Considerations of Gatekeeping Among MHPs"presented by Brittany Dennis & Hassan Reeder, Emporia State University
March 26th, 2020
Feature Keynote: Dr. Reagan North, School Counselor
March 27th, 2020
Feature Keynote: Matthew Gallagher, LCPC
Registration and call for programs are open. Check out our website for more information!
Wednesday, Mar 25, 2020, 08:00 AM
Manhattan, KS, USA
Kansas MTSS and Alignment Institute
As you are aware, Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports and Alignment, as part of TASN, has been working with school districts across Kansas for well over a decade. We have never wavered from our mantra “All Means All” when it comes to equality and equity in curriculum and instruction for ALL Kansas students. While constantly analyzing data produced by schools implementing our framework and processes, we have been able to uncover the need for the development of instructional and collaborative leaders at all levels of our education system. For the past several years, we have talked to leadership experts from across the world about the idea of developing instructional leaders at the district, building and classroom levels and what that would “look like”. We have arrived at a partnership with Professor John Hattie, Dr. Peter DeWitt, Dr. Jenni Donohoo, Dr. Olivia Amador-Valerio, Tommy Thompson and others.
On September 22, 2020, Professor John Hattie and the Visible Learning team below will be in Salina, KS! Professor John Hattie will deliver TWO presentations during the morning and the Visible Learning team members will take attendees through the Visible Learning research, and assist them in learning about the five strands of Visible Learning, and identify the difference between influences that impact student learning. Examples of influences and their impact to be included: Instructional/Collaborative Leadership, Collective Teacher Efficacy, Teacher Clarity and Student Engagement.
This incredible learning opportunity is FREE to Kansas educators! The event will be held at Tony’s Pizza Event Center, 800 The Midway, Salina, KS. It will be an all-day event in the arena (no breakouts) with lunch on your own. There will be some lunch options at the event center or attendees may leave for lunch and return for the afternoon session.
Click here to register.
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2020, 08:00 AM
Salina, KS, USA
Approved Kansas Colleges and Universities Offering ESOL Endorsement Courses
Kansas is ALWAYS looking for more ESOL Endorsed teachers! If you know of anyone interested in obtaining their ESOL Endorsement, here are a list of partnering universities and colleges:
Benedictine College
Bethany College
Emporia State University*
Friends University
Newman University*
Fort Hays State University*
Ottawa University*
Kansas State University*
Pittsburg State University*
McPherson College
University of Kansas*
Mid-America Nazarene University*
Washburn University
Wichita State University
*indicates online option available
Nicole Primm, EL Program Consultant
Email: nprimm@ksde.org
Website: ksde.org
Location: 900 Southwest Jackson Street, Topeka, KS, USA
Phone: (785) 296-5060
Twitter: @Kansas_ELs