Last Week’s Victories
Once again, teachers pivoted and adapted for a new learning environment in a short time. You went into schools, you set up classrooms, you met with colleagues and administrators to plan and collaborate both in-person and remotely. You showed bravery, leadership, and compassion. As you head into schools to see students for maybe the first time since March, Fanny and Michelle hope your reunions are filled with joy. We are often the line of communication between our language learners and the rest of the school community so we know they have missed you.
Reminders
If you have questions about assessment and reporting, please see the Frequently Asked Questions Document that was sent out last Wednesday. It can be found here: https://blogs.sd41.bc.ca/ell/2020-reporting-and-year-end-assessment-frequently-asked-questions/
Last Note
This weekend Michelle was listening to Tan Hyunh’s Empowering Language Learner’s Podcast with Dr. Jim Cummins. This Canadian RoyELLty has been researched English language learning for over 40 years. Listening to him speak was so inspiring so she’d thought to share a few of the highlights with you.
  • When a dominant language group does not allow for a minority language in the academic setting, students not fluent in the dominant language will continue to fall further behind academically throughout their schooling.
  • It is a teacher’s responsibility to challenge power and status systems by asking “Who are my students?”
  • Three overlapping groups consistently underachieve in schools: children of immigrants, children from low socio-economic backgrounds, and students from marginalized communities. Students who fall under all three groups achieve the least academically.
  • Teachers can push back by scaffolding instruction, reinforce academic language, and engage students home languages to learn academic content.
  • The most effective way to combat this underachievement is by making sure students have ample access to print in both target language and heritage language and consistently engage in literacy activities. Reading can eliminate 1/3 of the affect of poverty. 
  • Finally, challenge all students with learning that reflects a high level of intelligence and capability.

Thank you for all you do. Have a fantastic week.

Fanny and Michelle