Enhancing a summer program for newcomers: expanding on language and literacy instruction for newcomer multilingual learners
Date
2021
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Research indicates that summer programs can reduce learning losses accrued during time away from school (e.g., summer vacation or pandemic-related school closures) when specific programmatic elements such as evidence-based practices are present in instruction. This Education Leadership Portfolio was developed to enhance The Kennett Consolidated School District's Newcomer English Language Development Academy's (NELDA) summer 2021 instruction and planning materials to include evidence-based instructional practices through expanded professional development offerings. NELDA serves newcomer multilingual learners (MLs) exiting grades K-12 across the district. Newcomer MLs are students in the earliest stages of their English language development and may have recently immigrated to the United States. A cohesive suite of professional development modules and resources was designed to address newcomer MLs' specific English language and literacy needs. Improved planning and evaluation resources were also created to support district leaders and NELDA instructors in identifying and implementing the evidence-based instructional practices from the professional development modules in NELDA classroom practice. In addition, a unique framework featuring three focal elements related to English language development and instruction (vocabulary development, oral language, and cultural wealth) was developed to align the professional development modules and additional planning and evaluation resources. This portfolio concludes with a reflection on overall implementation and further research-based recommendations for future iterations of NELDA. These recommendations include increased resources and a greater focus on early literacy development by including targeted literacy instruction designed to meet the unique needs of newcomer MLs.
Description
Keywords
English as a second language (ESL), English language development (ELD), Multilingual learners (MLs), Newcomers, Professional development, Summer programs