SEDL's Texas Comprehensive Center Hosts Research Summit on Accommodations for English Language Learners
SEDL's Texas Comprehensive Center (TXCC) recently held a 2-day research summit titled "Making Consistent Decisions About Accommodations for English Language Learners" (ELLs). The summit was the second phase in a federally funded project to assist the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in meeting the needs of ELLs. In the first phase of the project, the TEA held 14 focus groups across Texas where participants discussed how districts and schools are currently making decisions regarding ELL accommodations and assessments.
The research summit’s purpose was to review the findings from the focus groups, learn from the research of experts in the field, and stimulate dialogue among researchers and expert practitioners regarding how best to help educators select and implement ELL accommodations. Dr. David Francis, director of the Center on Instruction’s ELL strand, presented findings from his research and served as the discussant for presentations by other national experts. In addition, TEA leaders gave a presentation on the current state guidelines regarding ELL accommodations and on the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), which are integrated in all content areas and at all grade levels in Texas. Summit participants then broke into small groups to discuss the barriers to consistent implementation of state ELL guidelines. To see the agenda and list of presenters for the summit, go to the TXCC Research Summit Web page.
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