ELL Summer Institute: Teachers and Administrators Focus on ELL Learning
The Regional Bilingual Education-Resource Network (RBE-RN) West provided a unique offering to teachers and administrators during its recent ELL Summer Institute.
RBE-RN serves schools within Erie 1 BOCES, Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, Cattaraugus-Allegany-Wyoming-Erie BOCES and Orleans-Niagara BOCES as well as the city of Buffalo to enhance the knowledge and competencies of educators, parents and the community for promoting the academic excellence of English Language Learners (ELLs).
“This is the second year we have held the ELL Summer Institute, but it is the first time ever that we have offered a specific opportunity in Spanish to develop oracy and literacy in our bilingual/dual language programs. In addition, ESL, LOTE and bilingual teachers from the Buffalo area and as far away as Rochester and Syracuse were in attendance,” Denise Gonez-Santos, RBE-RN Executive Director, said.
Dr. Monica Lara provided participants with theory, strategies and activities that develop speaking, writing and reading skills for the Spanish language. Dr. Lara authored the book, “¡Toma la Palabra!” which translates to “Take the Floor.” Claribel González was the RBE-RN leader for the terrific workshop.
Other days of the conference were dedicated to understanding the CR Part 154 regulations and learning best practices for learning strategies with ELLs with RBE-RN West staff. Dr. Tamara Alsace gave an interactive session on how to support multilingual learners (MLLs) with disabilities, Annie Smith presented critical instructional strategies for identifying and instructing students with interrupted/inconsistent formal education (SIFE). The last day focused on literacy, bilingual education, content area support and more with breakout sessions featuring the expertise of local area educators.
“The RBE-RN West staff and our guest presenters did a wonderful job bringing important information and practices to life for those in attendance so that teachers and administrators can take what they learned and better support the multilingual students in the Western New York area and beyond,” Gonez-Santos added.
Keep an eye out for next year’s Summer ELL Institute conference in August 2020. If you would like to learn more about RBE-RN West’s services or training please visit our website.