Going beyond traditional assessments gives more ways for ELL students to demonstrate their learning in math. Balanced and dynamic assessments accommodate students in a way that reduces the language complexity without reducing the rigor of math being assessed. “If students understand the language of the exam, they will do better,” said Dawson.
Engagement and motivation are also essential for academic success. Designing learning experiences that require active involvement, increase active oral participation, and engage families in the learning process are a few ways to accomplish that. In fact, Compton Unified has digital parent nights to help familiarize families with the technology being used to support their children.
Every teacher in Compton Unified is trained in the personalized, individualized, and blended learning models that support ELL students. To keep up with their training, teachers choose from a variety of PD options including weekly online sessions and summer institutes. Teachers are also trained to analyze data to better inform their instruction and design activities. The district’s goal is to help teachers become facilitators of knowledge and use data to better reflect how to impact these students by becoming the “architect of the learning experience,” said Dawson.
About the Presenters
Michele Dawson has more than 25 years’ experience as a teacher, administrator, and technology director. She has served as educational technology supervisor in San Francisco School District and currently is senior director, instructional technology for Compton Unified in California, where she leads 21st century learning, technology integration, and organizational management. She is committed to closing the achievement gap for underserved students through the lens of equity and social justice.
Kelly Urlacher started her education career as a teacher in 2002. She taught sixth grade for 10 years and has a passion for math. Urlacher is now a senior curriculum designer for DreamBox Learning, where she has the opportunity to create lessons, develop technology-based teacher partnerships, and influence the way students learn math.
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This broadcast was hosted by edWeb.net and sponsored by DreamBox Learning.
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