Arkansas ELP

Building capacity statewide to lead the shift to deeper, richer language, literacy, & content standards for Arkansas’ English learner students.

 
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Module 1

In this first module, workshop participants will be introduced to 10 shifts in instructional practice, how they impact their educational environment, and how they give English learner students access to the language, analytical practices, and content they need for school success. This session will build the capacity of each participant to guide their colleagues in their home schools and school districts to an understanding of the core principles of the ELPA 21 English Language Proficiency Standards.

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Module 2

In Module 2, participants will be introduced to the ELP Standards to develop a deeper understanding of the standards and how they inform instruction and create greater access to language and content for English learners. Participants will collaboratively apply their knowledge of the shifts and standards to lesson planning allowing for a connection to future professional development and practice. This session will build the capacity of each participant to guide their colleagues in their home schools and school districts to understand and apply the ELP Standards to their instruction.

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Module 3

Module 3 presents a deep dive into high leverage standards that reflect the shifts discussed in Module 1. Participants will build a rich understanding of the interplay between ELP Standard 4 (argumentation) and ELP Standard 2 (student discourse). As a culmination of learning, each team of participants will develop plans for leading the shift to new standards in their home schools and districts.


Who We Are

 
Portrait of Tim Blackburn

Tim Blackburn

Tim works as a senior advisor on projects focused on English learners, classroom instruction, and equity. Tim completed his M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Teachers College at Columbia University, and taught social studies at a newcomer high school in the Bronx, NY. Tim has led the implementation of the ELP Standards while serving at the Oregon Department of Education.

Portrait of Jacob Williams

Jacob Williams

Jacob facilitates school and system improvement initiatives in the Northwest region. Prior to coming to EdNW, Jacob served as a director for research & technical assistance projects at The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at the University of Texas. Jacob currently supports a number of projects focused English learner students with special needs.