Arizona’s Language Development Approach: Empowering English Learners for Success

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Title: Unlocking Language, Unlocking Potential: Exploring Arizona’s Approach to English Learner Education
• Subtitle: A Deep Dive into Terminology, Principles, and Assessment Practices
• Your Name and Affiliation (if applicable)
• School logo or relevant image (optional)

Presenter Notes:

• Briefly introduce yourself and the topic of the presentation.
• Set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Arizona’s Language Development Approach for English Learners (ELs).

Slide 2: Understanding ELs in Arizona

• Key Term: English Learner (EL) – Defined under Arizona law as “a person who has a native language other than English and whose English language proficiency is insufficient to enable the student to fully access and participate in English language instruction.” (Arizona Department of Education)
• Image: A diverse group of students working together in a classroom setting, symbolizing the variety of languages and backgrounds of ELs.

Presenter Notes:

• Clearly define the term “English Learner” according to Arizona’s official definition.
• Emphasize the focus on supporting students whose English proficiency needs development to reach their full potential in English-medium instruction.

Slide 3: Instructional Program Models for ELs

• ESL (English as a Second Language): Intensive English language instruction in a separate setting from mainstream classes.
• Bilingual Education: Instruction delivered in both English and the student’s native language.
• Sheltered English Instruction (SEI): Content-based instruction with modified language demands to support comprehension.
• Structured English Immersion (SEI): Content-based instruction primarily in English with some supplemental support in the student’s native language.

Presenter Notes:

• Briefly introduce and distinguish between the four main instructional program models for ELs in Arizona: ESL, Bilingual, SEI, and Structured English Immersion (SEI).
• Use infographics or visuals to depict the key features of each model for clear understanding.

Slide 4: Arizona’s Language Development Approach: Guiding Principles

• Image: A pyramid with the foundation labeled “Research-Based” and four pillars ascending from it: “Student Agency,” “Explicit Language Instruction,” “Integrated Language and Content,” and “Data-Driven Instruction.”

Presenter Notes:

• Introduce Arizona’s Language Development Approach as a research-informed framework for supporting ELs’ academic success.
• Highlight the four core principles of the approach: Student Agency, Explicit Language Instruction, Integrated Language and Content, and Data-Driven Instruction.

Slide 5: Empowering Student Agency

• Definition: Student agency refers to a student’s sense of ownership and control over their learning.
• Importance: Fostering student agency in EL instruction empowers students to:
  • Participate actively in their learning.
  • Set and pursue their own academic goals.
  • Develop self-advocacy skills.
  • Build confidence and resilience.

Presenter Notes:

• Explain the concept of student agency and its significance in empowering ELs to become active participants in their own learning journey.
• Provide examples of strategies to promote student agency in the classroom, such as student-led discussions, choice boards, and self-reflection activities.

Slide 6: Explicit Language Instruction

• Definition: Explicit language instruction involves directly teaching language skills and strategies through dedicated lessons and activities.
• Components:
  • Grammar skills.
  • Vocabulary development.
  • Academic language features.
  • Language learning strategies.

Presenter Notes:

• Define and explain the importance of explicit language instruction in Arizona’s Language Development Approach.
• Briefly outline the key components of effective language instruction for ELs.

Slide 7: Integrating Language and Content

• Definition: Integrating language and content means teaching academic content while simultaneously developing students’ English language skills.
• Benefits: Promotes deeper understanding of both content and language.
• Strategies:
  • Content-based lesson planning.
  • Scaffolding and differentiation.
  • Use of graphic organizers and visuals.
  • Collaborative learning activities.

Presenter Notes:

• Explain the concept of integrated language and content instruction and its advantages for ELs’ academic achievement.
• Share practical strategies for integrating language and content in the classroom.

Slide 8: Data-Driven Instruction

• Definition: Data-driven instruction involves using data from assessments and other sources to inform teaching decisions.
• Importance: Ensures instruction is targeted to students’ individual needs and progress.
• Practices:
  • Regular formative assessments.
  • Analyzing student performance data.
  • Adjusting instruction based on data insights.