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Strategies for Teaching Mathematics
to English Language Learners
Strategies for Teaching Mathematics
to English Language LearnersPresented by Dr. Leslie Huling
TSUS MELL Initiative
October 29, 2008
Austin, Texas
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
2
MELL PartnershipMELL Partnership MELL is a partnership between Texas State
University System, its five member universities, and the Texas Education Agency.
Texas State University System Universities Angelo State University Lamar University Sam Houston State University Sul Ross State University Texas State University–San Marcos
MELL is a partnership between Texas State University System, its five member universities, and the Texas Education Agency.
Texas State University System Universities Angelo State University Lamar University Sam Houston State University Sul Ross State University Texas State University–San Marcos
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
3
A Place to BeginA Place to Begin
Underlying Assumptions Teachers have very “full plates” and many
demands TAKS standards are substantive and
challenging ELL students face additional challenges that are
currently reflected in TAKS results
Underlying Assumptions Teachers have very “full plates” and many
demands TAKS standards are substantive and
challenging ELL students face additional challenges that are
currently reflected in TAKS results
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
4
A Place to Begin, ContinuedA Place to Begin, Continued
Underlying Assumptions Texas educators are working hard to improve
the performance of all students, including those who are English Language Learners
Educators are interested in acquiring additional knowledge and skills to better address the needs of ELL students
Underlying Assumptions Texas educators are working hard to improve
the performance of all students, including those who are English Language Learners
Educators are interested in acquiring additional knowledge and skills to better address the needs of ELL students
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
5
MELL’s goal is to help educators better meet the instructional needs of English Language Learners
MELL’s goal is to help educators better meet the instructional needs of English Language Learners
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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Achievement in math and science lag behind other academic areas.
Achievement in math and science lag behind other academic areas.
To address this need, TEA has launched a comprehensive math professional development initiative.
MELL is one component of this initiative.
To address this need, TEA has launched a comprehensive math professional development initiative.
MELL is one component of this initiative.
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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Language AcquisitionLanguage Acquisition
A complex process influenced by many variables Just as first language acquisition varies
substantially among children, so will second language acquisition
Consider your own experiences in a foreign language class (some students have a natural ability while others struggle)
Mathematics involves a specialized language and vocabulary
A complex process influenced by many variables Just as first language acquisition varies
substantially among children, so will second language acquisition
Consider your own experiences in a foreign language class (some students have a natural ability while others struggle)
Mathematics involves a specialized language and vocabulary
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
8
Mathematics and ELLS:Different Populations
Mathematics and ELLS:Different Populations
MODERATE EnglishProficiency & MODERATE MathProficiency
MODERATE EnglishProficiency butLIMITED MathProficiency
LIMITED EnglishProficiency BUT MODERATE MathProficiency
LIMITED EnglishProficiency & LIMITED MathProficiencyM
AT
H P
RO
FIC
IEN
CY
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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Classrooms as GreenhousesClassrooms as Greenhouses
MELL has posed this question:
“What conditions provide optimal growth for ELL students in mathematics?”
MELL has posed this question:
“What conditions provide optimal growth for ELL students in mathematics?”
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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MELL doesn’t have THE answerMELL doesn’t have THE answer
But we do have a current consensus based upon: review of the research analysis of professional development programs teacher input, and prolonged professional dialogue.
But we do have a current consensus based upon: review of the research analysis of professional development programs teacher input, and prolonged professional dialogue.
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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MELL Classroom Practices Framework
MELL Classroom Practices Framework
Consists of six components which include enabling practices and indicators. Learning Atmosphere and Physical Environment Instructional Practices Mathematics Content and Curriculum Language Practices Family and Community Involvement Assessment of Student Learning
Consists of six components which include enabling practices and indicators. Learning Atmosphere and Physical Environment Instructional Practices Mathematics Content and Curriculum Language Practices Family and Community Involvement Assessment of Student Learning
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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Some Culminating ThoughtsSome Culminating Thoughts
The good news is that the instructional practices that promote ELL success also work well for other students
However, what is optimal for other students may, in fact, be necessary for ELLs as it appears that the success of ELL students (even more so than other students) is highly dependent upon a conducive learning environment
The good news is that the instructional practices that promote ELL success also work well for other students
However, what is optimal for other students may, in fact, be necessary for ELLs as it appears that the success of ELL students (even more so than other students) is highly dependent upon a conducive learning environment
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
13
ME
LL
Pro
du
cts
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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Newly Released MELL ProductsNewly Released MELL Products MELL Lesson Bank
A collection of mathematics lessons that are adapted specifically for English language learners with ELPS integrated into lessons
Hands-on Mathematics Instruction A professional development video designed to support
teachers in the use of manipulative instructional materials in the teaching of mathematics to English language learners.
MELL Lesson Bank A collection of mathematics lessons that are adapted
specifically for English language learners with ELPS integrated into lessons
Hands-on Mathematics Instruction A professional development video designed to support
teachers in the use of manipulative instructional materials in the teaching of mathematics to English language learners.
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
15
Newly Released MELL ProductsNewly Released MELL Products 2008 MELL Conference Highlights
Powerpoint presentations from each presenter at the 2008 MELL Summer Conference
2008 MELL Conference Highlights Powerpoint presentations from each presenter at the
2008 MELL Summer Conference
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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2008-09 MELL Scope of Work 2008-09 MELL Scope of Work
Expand MELL products to encompass middle school and elementary instruction
MELL Summer Institutes Annual MELL Summer Conference
Expand MELL products to encompass middle school and elementary instruction
MELL Summer Institutes Annual MELL Summer Conference
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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Web AddressesWeb Addresses
TSUS MELL Initiativewww.tsusmell.org
TSUS Education Policy Implementation Centerwww.education.txstate.edu/epic
TSUS MELL Initiativewww.tsusmell.org
TSUS Education Policy Implementation Centerwww.education.txstate.edu/epic
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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Plan To Attend2009 MELL Summer Conference
San Marcos, TX
Check MELL website forConference information
Plan To Attend2009 MELL Summer Conference
San Marcos, TX
Check MELL website forConference information
MELL: a joint initiative between TEA and the Texas State University System
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For Additional InformationFor Additional Information
MELL Contact Information: Dr. Leslie Huling, Director Education Policy Information Center [email protected] (512) 716-4531
MELL Contact Information: Dr. Leslie Huling, Director Education Policy Information Center [email protected] (512) 716-4531
