Mod 2 Discussion: What the Research Means to Me

1) in addition to permitting a longer period of engagement with “first language” content instruction, schools must also insure that ELLs are able to enroll in other classes as well as their “bilingual immersion” classes. 

Recentyl I have been working with older students. It is important to give the ELL students a chance to learn and succeed in English by giving them bilingual immersion classes, but it is also important to remember that these older students have interests outside of just acquiring a new language. Giving students the opportunity to enroll in other classes stimulates their abilites and gives them opportunities to interact with the new culture.

2) teachers are properly prepared to teach ELLs within mainstream classes.

I have attended some in-services that focused on integrating new ELL teaching methods in the classrom. It is important that teachers get opportunities beyond the required cred hours. I have had the opportunity to use and discover different AI programs that were not available in the past, and these new techniques can keep teachers current on how to succeed with ELL intergation. 

3) English language instruction is embedded in content area classes.

I taught ELA for more time than I have taught science, and yes, English lanugage instruction is imbedded in content area classes. There are sections in the teacher manuals that give a starting point for ELL students. However, I feel, that what has been available to me in my recent position may need more of my abilities to use what I have learned from this class. 

4) districts need to be be less concerned with how long students have been classified as ELL and more focused on making sure students take English-language content courses which allow for interaction with native English speaking students, and are taught by teachers properly prepared to provide the necessary support.

I feel that my response to question 1 will be the similar answer to this question. I have been asked to give my input to ESOL student placement when it came up. My responses were that whatever the student was being supported with in the past should still be used, and if the student felt the need for anything more, that would come up during the review. Also,ELL  students need interaction with classes and other students outside of the language classes in order to learn culture and be a part of other social interactions.