Introduction to Academic Language for ELL 10
Introduction to Academic Language for ELL 10 is designed for English Language Learners (ELLs) who have made some progress in developing their Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and are ready to more intensely and explicitly begin developing academic English (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency, or CALPS).
All students, regardless of their age, language or cultural background, require the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest. While ELLs have much in common with other students, they have specific needs in the areas of language development and cultural adjustment. For many ELLs, the change in their situation requires additional support to help them develop more increasingly complex, sophisticated, and Independent School communication.
• A belief in one’s abilities enables growth • Language is expressed differently based on cultural contexts • Language is a social construct that must be explicitly taught • Effective communication comes from an awareness of language • Learning strategies provide greater access to academic success
Recommended Instructional Components: The teacher will design instructional strategies that: • acknowledge the social nature of learning; • embed formative assessment practices such as learning intentions, criteria, questions, descriptive feedback, self and peer-assessment; • provide opportunities for students to share learning and reflect; • utilize technologies and other tools in purposeful ways