This is going to be an amazing year for the students in this English Language Learning (ELL) classroom our School.
Highland Park Elementary is home to a diverse population of students. Over eighty percent of our students come from households that are in high poverty (about 75% Free/Reduced Lunch). English is not the first language in a majority of our families. Most of the parents and guardians do not speak English. Communication with families can be challenging. The attendance rate is low and the academic gap is high. Students and their families want to work hard every day to learn and to be successful in school and life. However, challenging daily life can distract from the priority of learning and attending school. Lack of resources and manpower from the education system and school can also contribute to the problem.
Because of our diversity, Highland Park offers a variety of services and programs to meet the needs of all learners. Outside of our general education program, where teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students, we also provide services for students who are qualified for the ELL program.
My Project
There is a massive and persistent English language learner (ELL) achievement gap in our school. We have a large group of ELL students with high needs in academic as well as social/emotional area but with very limited resources. Traditional ELL education approaches have focused on language acquisition and content knowledge, yet ELL students have unique social emotional needs as well. Our job is to continue to meet the students’ social and emotional needs while at the same time balancing their academic needs.
In order to focus on improving different aspects of English fluency, learning centers have a lot to offer to our ELL students.
With centers, students become invested in their own learning. Independent learning centers are various setups around the classroom where students can go to work independently or with a partner on a specific activity. Learning centers can also cater to different learning styles. All ELL students can be very successful at hands-on activities, musical activities or solitary activities when they are available in a learning center.
One of the learning centers include the followings:
Reading and Listening Center - special chairs, book shelves, bean bags, pillows, rug, stuff animals provide a comfortable and relaxing areas to read, write, listen to book on tape for extra practice in English fluency. This is where the rugs, shelves, and beanbags I am requesting will be located.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Tang and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.