We speak with Dr. Julie Sugarman of the Migration Policy Institute about meeting the needs of English Learners. We discuss the meaning and implications of ELs “falling behind” during virtual instruction and difficulties administering upcoming English language proficiency tests. Dr. Sugarman talks about a model for incorporating ELs into planning. She also talks about what is lost (and gained) through technology, given the importance of personal relationships to teaching and learning.
Overview
00:00-00:40Intros
00:40-02:32English Language Learners (ELs) and how they receive instruction
02:32-03:31What research shows about language acquisition
03:31-11:46Legal and ethical aspects of English language instruction; statusaround the country
11:46-15:00Challenges facing ELs and ENL teachers during the pandemic and efforts to overcome them
15:00-17:05Involvement of parents during the pandemic
17:05-17:50Varying terms/ synonyms for ESL/ESOL/ENL teachers
17:50-18:22Nashville as an example of a district centering ELs in planning
18:22-21:30Issues with taking the English language proficiency test during the pandemic
21:30-23:20English language proficiency tests’ quality
23:20-25:04Experience with Betsy DeVos’s Education Department
25:04-26:56Recommendations to Biden Administration
26:56-30:20Technology and ELs post-pandemic
30:20-31:45Outro
Transcript
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