Projects
Project Title: "Professional
Development for Teaching English
as a Second Language"
Primary Investigators: Dr. Eva Ponte and Dr. Christina Higgins
Curriculum Consultant: Dr. Sandra McKay
The purpose of this collaborative project between the College of Education and the Second Language Studies department is to provide training and support to K-6 in-service teachers in the area of English as a Second Language (ESL). Our objectives are 1) to provide fundamental disciplinary knowledge to teachers about second language development and multicultural education; 2) to train teachers about valid and effective teaching practices for English language learners; and 3) to certify targeted K-6 teachers to teach ESL students as per federal and state requirements. To that end, the project provides services to approximately 20 teachers, who in turn serve an estimated student population of 400 learners, and trains them to become lead ESL teachers in their respective schools upon completing their participation in the project.
Participating teachers will take part in two university outreach courses approved towards federal mandate for ESL accreditation (Second Language Studies 302 & Education-Curriculum studies 440). They will also benefit from in-class support from graduate students who will assist them in translating theory into practice.
This project is funded by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title II.A—State Agency for Higher Education (SAHE) funds . It is active from September 1, 2008 until August 31, 2009.