English Language Learners (ELLs)
At a Glance | Services | Significant Work | Products
Examples of Significant Work
Texas Comprehensive Center (TXCC): English Language Learners (ELL) Project: The TXCC, which SEDL houses, is working to help the Texas Education Agency (TEA) improve schools’ implementation of ELL accommodations. TXCC staff have conducted focus groups and held a research summit, the results of which are being used to inform the development of an online ELL accommodations guide. See the TXCC ELL Web page for more information.
Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Survey Design: Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and led by the CDM Group, Inc., this multiyear project involves developing a national study design to gather periodic information on the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs. SEDL has a staff person on the design team, which is charged with developing plans for MSHS sampling; working closely with MSHS programs; and collecting and analyzing data from classroom observations, interviews, surveys, and student assessments.
Past Work
Paso Partners: Integrating Mathematics, Science and Language: An Instructional Program: SEDL’s Paso Partners program developed a set of lesson plans to help K–3 teachers increase ELLs' achievement in math and science.
Languages Other Than English Center for Educator Development (LOTE CED) (1998–2003): SEDL operated the LOTE CED, funded by the Texas Education Agency, in collaboration with the Texas Region II Education Service Center (ESC II). The LOTE CED's mission was to provide a statewide system of ongoing professional development for foreign language educators in implementing the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Languages Other Than English (TEKS for LOTE).
Language and Diversity Program (1996–2000): SEDL’s Language and Diversity Program (LDP) was funded under the 1996–2000 Regional Educational Laboratory contract to improve education for children and youth with limited English proficiency. LDP staff participated in a variety of state, regional, and federal initiatives, including research, development, professional development, dissemination, and networking activities.
Best Start Early Childhood Program (1996–2000): In partnership with the Harris County Department of Education in Houston, Texas, SEDL developed this second edition of the Bilingual Early Childhood Program. The program helped prepare Spanish-speaking children ages 3 to 5 for the transition to English-speaking classrooms. The first edition of the program was available commercially until 1983.
The Texas A&M University System's Support Activities Related to the Limited English Proficient (LEP) Student Success Initiative Evaluation: SEDL conducted a 3-year evaluation study of the Texas A&M University System's online English as a second language (ESL)/bilingual professional development and LEP campus support services. The study used expert reviews to determine the quality and effectiveness of the professional development; surveys of teachers and administrators at grant-funded campuses to determine the extent to which teachers are implementing the ESL/bilingual teaching strategies; and site visits, focus groups, and interviews to determine the progress made in the development and completion of the deliverables.
