Learning Opportunities

Educators are highly skilled in ensuring that their content objectives for their particular lessons align to the program of study for their subject area.  These content objectives help teachers focus on what students should know by the end of a lesson or unit.

But what about the language students need to be able to show that they know?  What do they need to know about English to learn new information, demonstrate their knowledge, and perform academic tasks?  The language required to show understanding varies with each subject  which means that all teachers have a responsibility to teach the nuances of the language in their specific content-area.  The language in Social Studies is quite different from the language used in Science. Students who are adding English to the languages they use benefit from explicit language instruction in all the courses they enroll in. 

This 3 hour session will highlight the research behind the benefits of intentionally planning for language development as well as offer practical strategies to implement in all content-areas.

Building Background

The first part will provide participants with an overview of second language acquisition and the processes involved in academic discourse.  Opportunities to interact with fellow participants to develop language objectives will be provided.

Putting into Practice

The second part will offer language development strategies and resources specifically geared for secondary teachers to implement in the classroom to scaffold language development.

Target Audience

Teachers: 7-12

Also Recommended For

Instructional Coaches, Learning Coaches, Inclusive Learning Teachers, District Leaders/Consultants, Educational/Instructional Assistants