Assessment
How often does an official assessment need to be done for the AIP?
Annual, ongoing assessment.
- Students need an updated AIP each year based on assessment to see if they still qualify for services and to narrow down the types of services they require.
What is an example of an easy-to-use tool to use with ELLs if tech is available?
Google Translate or Microsoft OneNote:
- These are straightforward and students can use it semi-independently to help see connections between home languages and English.
- See other examples: https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/how-to-use-technology-to-support-ells-in-your-classroom
The documentation used to share a plan for supporting an ELL.
What is the AIP?
Explanation:
- The Annual Instructional Plan is used to set goals for an ELL student (very different from the IEP).
What is a tool you can use to help plan the AIP and supports?
The ELL instructional plan overview: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/english-language-learners/ell_planning_tool.pdf
- This tool provides a template you can fill in with assessment gathered such as through interviews.
What is a tool that can help vocabulary instruction?
Any of the following...
- Language for purpose (e.g. between friends or at school).
- Same sounding word with different meanings (e.g. no and know)
- Separating vocabulary from linking words
See this article for more: https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/academic-language-and-ells-what-teachers-need-know
Who can help you in gathering assessment for creating the AIP?
A resource teacher or ELL specialist?
- This role can be found within your school. You may have a resource teacher or a specialist assigned to your caseload which can be used throughout the week as additional push-in or pull-out support.
What kinds of assessments should you be using for ELLs?
Informal and formal (a mixture).
- Giving multiple means to show learning is vital for ELLs to prove their understanding of a concept (e.g. a game, conversation, test, or summative project).
What is an example of an online learning tool that can be used to support in-school and at-home English practice?
Language based programs such as Duolingo, Mango Languages.
When are ELL updates given throughout the year?
The AIP and progress reports are co-developed with the resource teacher. These are sent home at learning updates. Conversations can be held at conferences.
How can you have an ELL student monitor their own learning?
Have them collect and be responsible for their own portfolio.
- A portfolio is a great way to collect student learning. Have the student set goals throughout the year in an assessment folder. Pull this out during family conferences to have students explain things they are proud about or areas of improvement.
What kind of classroom structure (e.g. transitions) do ELLs benefit from?
A predictable one with less transitions between spaces, subjects, and teachers. Consider having your resource teacher doing push-in support for parts of the day to support them (instead of just pull-out).
What would be evidence that an ELL student needs extensive support?
Any of the following...
- Silence
- Misunderstanding body language
- Limited vocabulary
- Hard time following classroom expectations, even when visuals are provided