Participants receive copies of screening tools and information on best practices. The presenters outline a procedure for implementing teacher research in the classroom. Participants have an opportunity to begin designing research projects applicable to their situations. They are provided with a contact list for future networking and support. The presenters demonstrate how incorporating a balanced literacy program helps English language learners in lower grades gain English literacy.
Handouts summarize the presentation and provide lesson plans for activities.
The presenter shares a district's instrument to assess students' writing proficiency with the Six-Trait Analytic Scale. The scale is used in the state for instruction and assessment of monolingual English writing proficiency. The presenter illustrates the process used to develop the new assessment for English Language Learners. Some books are based on family stories while other stories are drawn from the images created by student in their artwork. Colorful and imaginative pictures provide enthusiasm for all who read these books.