CHECKLIST BUILDING BLOCK: DESIGN SECONDARY SCHOOL ...

BUILDING BLOCK: RESEARCH BASED EL PRACTICES IN THE ERA OF THE
COMMON CORE STANDARDS
Programs and Placement
We have an English Learner Master Plan that includes clearly
defined descriptions of research‐based program models for different
typologies of English Learners, including a designated program and
placements for students at risk of becoming Long Term English
Learners
English Language Development:
Standards‐based ELD instruction is delivered on a daily basis during a
dedicated ELD time, using ELD materials and curriculum aligned to the ELD standards.
This instruction focuses primarily on oral and listening skills – but also includes
reading and writing as appropriate. Long Term English Learners receive a
specialized ELD focused on their needs and separate from other English Learners
Teachers have received professional development in the use of the ELD
curriculum and materials, and feel it is an effective program.
English language development occurs across the curriculum (explicit language
objectives, focus on academic language and vocabulary, multiple opportunities to
produce language through oral and written forms).
Curriculum and Instruction:
English Learners are receiving a full curriculum (e.g., math, science, social
studies/history, English) and are able to enroll in full complement of A‐G required
classes
Our teachers use SDAIE strategies and modify lessons/
curriculum as needed to support English Learners to access the
curriculum.
A hallmark of instruction in the school is structured activities that elicit high
levels of student talk and interaction focusing on academic content and tasks. The
language students are exposed to, taught and use is high level, complex and precise
academic language.
Classroom pedagogy emphasizes collaborative inquiry, active engagement in
groupwork, and teamwork.