Standard-Based Differentiated ELD Instruction - Frequently asked Questions

Q: What kinds of funding might be used to pay for this type of professional development program?

A: A variety of funding sources are available to schools to fund professional development for teachers of English Learners:

• Title One professional development
• EIA(Economic Improvement Aid)
• SIP (School Improvement program), if professional development is part of the school plan
• Title III
• FLAP, for teachers of grades 4-8
• Title II , professional development under NCLB

Q: Does CLMER Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners: Standards-Based Differentiated ELD Instruction meet NCLB professional development requirements?

A: Yes. NCLB requires that professional development programs be research-based and build capacity over a sustained time period. CLMER Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners: Standards-Based Differentiated ELD Instruction meets both of these criteria.

Q: Can a school district adapt this curriculum to any instructional materials that they use?

A: The professional development program is designed to develop teacher and administrator knowledge and skills to design and deliver effective ELD instruction. Their instructional decisions include selection and adaptation of instructional materials.

Q: How are the knowledge and skills disseminated to the entire school?

A: The focus during the first year of the professional development program is development of skills and knowledge in the school team, who will implement strategies, lessons, and units in their classrooms based on the model. Year One culminates with the guided development of a schoolwide ELD program action plan. During the second year of the professional development, the core team builds capacity by focusing on schoolwide application of skills and knowledge, including schoolwide assessment systems, peer coaching, and schoolwide planning.

Q: How does this framework incorporate differentiation for language proficiency levels across the curriculum?

A: The professional development application component focuses on systematic ELD instruction within ELD time. However, principles, practices, and strategies can be applied across the curriculum to differentiate instruction for student language proficiency levels.

CLMER's professional development framework regards teachers as professionals who make crucial instructional decisions.

Q: What is the difference between standardized testing and standards-based instruction?

A: Standards-based instruction is a wholistic system which must incorporate standards, assessment, accountability, and instruction, integrallylinked in practice and based on sound pedagogical principles. California's current accountability system emphasizes assessment and accountability but has not reached the instructional level. "The heart of standards-based instruction is meeting students needs." (Dr. Adel Nadeau)

Q: How much time will the teacher leader/coach need to dedicate to this professional development program?

A: The teacher/leader coach will attend the three day summer pre-service and the seven days of professional development sessions spread throughout the school year and eight half-day leadership team sessions on the day immediately following the professional development sessions. Starting in about November, he or she will do on site observation and coaching of each of the site's participant teachers once a month, using a pre-conference/observation/post conference model. This may be accomplished within a coaching model that is already in place at the school. Finally, the teacher leader coach will attend an on-site meeting with the team once every two weeks for about an hour.

Q: Can you recommend a school which has participated in CLMER Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners: Standards-Based Differentiated ELD Instruction and would be willing to receive visitors?

A: Contact Peggy Morrison to arrange a visit to a participating school. peggy@sasquatch.com

Q: Is the professional development program available for middle and high schools?

A: CLMER Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners: Standards-Based Differentiated ELD Instruction, is currently being offered to K-6 schools. A version tailored for middle and high schools will be offered during the 2006-2007 school year.

For additional information contact: