How do we get students to understand life from someone else’s perspective? This is a very difficult concept which is addressed here from several points of view. In the first video, Asian Americans confront stereotypes and give personal experiences that can serve as eye-opening discussion starters for students of all ages and walks of life.
This series of eight videos from Colorin Colorado focuses on breaking down barriers between schools and their ELL families. A principal from Buffalo, NY, describes ways in which his school welcomes families into the school community and creates connections through service projects. Dr. Melendez from the US Department of Education offers tips for administrators with an increasing population of ELLs in their district. A university professor reminds educators to be sensitive and aware of the journeys ELL parents and families have endured prior to coming to the United States, while paying special attention to the roles of school and district administrators. An ELL professor discusses the importance of providing professional development for teachers who are working with newcomers.
School leaders are in a unique position to engage the families of ELLs. Engaged ELL parents bring invaluable dedication and wisdom regarding their children to the school community and can be crucial partners in supporting their children’s success. This Guide for Engaging ELL Families from Colorin Colorado provides suggestions to help school leaders discover ways to begin building a strong home-school partnership.
How do specific aspects of language learning affect the bilingual brain? This video explains three types of bilingual brains and shows how knowing more than one language keeps your brain healthy, complex and actively engaged.
Wondering where to begin? Find resources from the US Department of Education at this link.
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/ell/overview.html
Often mainstream educators are handed a document containing ACCESS results for their ELL students without any further instruction. This video provides useful information detailing how to interpret and use this data in the best interest of the students.
ESL Highlights 