Mod 2 Discussion: What the Research Means to Me

1) It is important that ELL students to enroll in other classes as well as their "bilingual immersion" classes. The best way to learn a new language is to speak it. Having ELL students be exposed to classes that are primarily english driven can help students learn by experience. Watching students and teachers speak english and having ELL students engage in english conversations with the teachers and peers is a great way to learn english.

2) Teachers being properly prepared to teach ELLs within mainstream classes is extremely important. Being able to teach the ELLs is just as important as reaching students with learning disabilities. Ensuring that ELL students are learning from lessons despite the language barrier is a tough but important task. Mixing in english speakers into ELL groups and spending individual time with these students can help make sure learning is happening. 

3) The content that ELL students are learning is embedded in content area classes. This helps ELL students because they are learning how to speak the language while learning the content within the class as well.

4) Districts need to shift focus from having a time limit on ELL students and more concerned that the ELL students are learning the content and language. Putting ELL students on a time limit or feeling like they should be forced out of ELL can prohibit these students from learning the language for the long term. It is important to make sure when learning english students are learning the language and not memorizing.