Two key components of the ARRA can be used to address the educational needs of ELs:
- Title I Help for Disadvantaged Students to, among other things: (1) establish a system to identify and train highly effective teachers in school wide programs and (2) provide professional development to teachers in targeted assistance schools on the use of data to assist eligible students
- Teacher Quality Enhancement to provide financial incentives for teachers and principals who raise student achievement and close the achievement gaps in high-need schools, including those where English Learner populations are large
Over the last sixteen years, UCLA SMP, a non-profit organization in the UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, has worked with districts throughout the state to support the sustainable transformation of public schools. Among its many support strategies are its Institutes, offering educators opportunities to advance their professional development.
Bridges to Understanding Institute
Bridges to Understanding Institute is a three-day program designed to give educators a portfolio of strategies that guide them in enabling K-12 English Learners to participate actively in classroom learning. It provides educators with the processes they need to assure teaching and learning at the highest levels and to explore the connection between what teachers do and how students learn.
Over the three days of the Institute, participants explore effective ELD and SDAIE strategies that:
- Scaffold academic language development for students at all levels
- Build grade-level appropriate reading and writing skills across content areas
- Engage culturally and linguistically diverse learners in thought-provoking, standards-based learning
- Infuse higher-order thinking into the student’s daily instructional program
- Strengthen trusting relationships between teachers, students, and families
UCLA SMP’s core faculty members are highly experienced practitioners in pre-K-12 education. They have proven track records as successful board members, organizational specialists, superintendents, principals, and teachers. They ensure that the material is presented in ways so that all teachers can grasp and apply the information.
“The program revived my spirits!”
Participants in the Bridges to Understanding Institute are thrilled to learn practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.
“Usually I get overwhelmed by trainings and subsequently fail to plug in the
strategies I learned. This is doable!!” (Jenna Hill, Gauer Elementary School)
Many teachers find that the strategies can be applied to students across their schools and curriculums.
“It was nice to attend a training that had so many practical applications that we can
actually use across the curriculum.” (Sara Bergsto from Loara Elementary School)
“Although the title was EL, I can definitely share and use with the Special Ed department.
Thanks, it was a pleasant experience.” (Ana Maldonado from Littlerock High School)
Equally important, participants in our Bridges to Understanding Institute gained confidence in their ability to implement teaching practices that work for English Learners. More than 90% reported a greater confidence in scaffolding rigorous content and in building on the “basic skills” (listening and speaking) that students currently posses.
“Thank you for helping me feel I can keep teaching several more years. I was beginning
to run out of steam. The three days with my team and experts has revived by spirit.”
(Belen Garcia, Revere Elementary School)
If you would like to discuss how ARRA funding could potentially impact your district, using UCLA SMP to enhance your efforts to achieve student achievement, please do not hesitate to contact me at dchernow@smp.gseis.ucla.edu or (310) 825-2488.
Sincerely,
Dan Chernow, EdD
Executive Director
NOTE: Additional information on UCLA School Management Program is available at our website: www.smp.gseis.ucla.edu
