#ELLCHAT Archive

#ELLCHAT is a repository for ideas related to teaching English Language Learners.

Monday January 8, 2018
9:00 PM EST

  • participatechat Jan 8 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Participate in the upcoming #ELLCHAT by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/TtihYHTCPA
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:01 PM EST
    Welcome to #ELLCHAT, Join us to discuss grading ELLs in ESL and the mainstream content area classrooms. Q1 - Please share your name and where and what you teach.
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:02 PM EST
    Good Evening #ELLCHAT Happy New Year! Are you ready to start?
  • HSeslteacher Jan 8 @ 9:02 PM EST
    A1: Shaeley, ESL instructional coach from Central Iowa ready for 1st #ELLChat of 2018!
  • loliveira55 Jan 8 @ 9:03 PM EST
    A1 Hello everyone. Luis ELL teacher at a HS in RI. #ELLChat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:03 PM EST
    A1 I’m Karen Nemeth, co host of #ELLCHAT and author/consultant on teaching ELLs/DLLs in #earlyed. I’m from eastern PA. Please join in the chat using the answer number (A1) to match the question you answer.
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:04 PM EST
    I'm Judie Haynes, former ESL teacher. author and prof. dev provider. #ELLCHAT moderator and TESOL blogger.
  • DStaehrFenner Jan 8 @ 9:04 PM EST
    A1 Hi this is Diane Staehr Fenner. I’m a former ESOL teacher (mostly HS) and adjunct professor #ELLCHAT
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Victoria from Woodstock, GA. I teach 7th grade life science. #Ellchat
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:04 PM EST
    A1 Chris Tennyson from Middle TN, Middle School Els #ELLCHAT
  • kerrin_moeller Jan 8 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Hi, I'm Kerrin Moeller. I'm a TOSA in the Multilingual Dept. in Beaverton, OR. #ellchat
  • theESLlady Jan 8 @ 9:06 PM EST
    A1. Hi! I’m LeighAnn. I teach K-2 ESL and work with preK DLLs in NJ. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:07 PM EST
    Hi Diane! We'll start as soon as people have a chance to sign in. #ELLCHAT.
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:11 PM EST
    Q2. What challenges do you face when deciding what grades to give ELLs? #ELLCHAT
  • LeticiaTrower Jan 8 @ 9:13 PM EST
    #ELLCHAT A2 How to be fair. Can I give two students the same grade when they've produced different results?
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:13 PM EST
    A2. Fair isn't always equal, If I was to take the same test as native speakers in a different language with no additional supports, I would fail miserably. #Ellchat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:13 PM EST
    A2 Even as early as kindergarten, teachers tell me they don’t know how to grade a child that seems to be doing a lot, but can’t tell you about it in English #ELLCHAT
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:14 PM EST
    A2 When grading for mastery, determining where content & language separate and true learning begins. How can I assign a failing grade when the S has worked so hard? #ELLCHAT
  • HSeslteacher Jan 8 @ 9:14 PM EST
    A2: Sometimes grades aren't measure of what ELLs know or can do because of language barriers or our focus on details that aren't essential #ELLChat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:15 PM EST
    2. What challenges do you face when deciding what grades to give ELLs? Sorry I'm having major problems with internet. #ELLCHAT
  • LeticiaTrower Jan 8 @ 9:15 PM EST
    #ELLCHAT A2 How to navigate the gap between where a student is on her own learning trajectory and where she needs to be at graduation. Maybe today's performance exceeded my expectations but still falls very short of grade level expectations. How do I grade that?
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:15 PM EST
    A2. As a science teacher, I have to ensure that I am assessing content rather than writing or reading ability. #Ellchat
  • easkelton Jan 8 @ 9:16 PM EST
    A2: Challenge: Letter or number grades don't give anyone any real information about what the student has learned or how much they have grown in language or content! #Ellchat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:16 PM EST
    I think this is a key challenge. Many classroom teachers say they don't feel they struggle with giving ELLs good grades when they have done differentiated work. #ELLCHAT
    • LeticiaTrower Jan 8 @ 9:13 PM EST
      #ELLCHAT A2 How to be fair. Can I give two students the same grade when they've produced different results?
  • greenangiz Jan 8 @ 9:16 PM EST
    A2 Looking closely at content knowledge, taking language out-not as easy as it seems #ellchat
  • greenangiz Jan 8 @ 9:17 PM EST
    Angi , data coach, signing in late from Alexandria, VA #ellchat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:17 PM EST
    A2 this is a tough issue, I think. You do have to ensure assessing content, but how do you know what they know in their home language? #ELLCHAT
    • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:15 PM EST
      A2. As a science teacher, I have to ensure that I am assessing content rather than writing or reading ability. #Ellchat
  • loliveira55 Jan 8 @ 9:18 PM EST
    A2 Balancing assessing to the standard while knowing that the students know so much more in their L1. #ELLChat
  • kerrin_moeller Jan 8 @ 9:19 PM EST
    A2: Similar to others - it's tough to determine what students know when they are just learning to express themselves in the language you speak #ellchat
  • DStaehrFenner Jan 8 @ 9:19 PM EST
    A2 This is a topic that embodies #Advocacy4ELs - it can be so challenging for teachers to assign content grades to #ELLs who are developing their English #ELLCHAT
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:19 PM EST
    I believe it comes from a variety of assessment techniques. Not every assessment should be paper and pencil. #ellchat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • theESLlady Jan 8 @ 9:19 PM EST
    A2. I find it challenging when I know the ELL can meet a standard or could receive a higher grade if they were assessed in their native language or in an authentic way. If we are not assessing language but rather a content skill, we should allow Ss a fair way to show it. #ellchat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:19 PM EST
    A2) Do you differentiate the delivery of content for the ELLs in your class? #ELLCHAT
    • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:15 PM EST
      A2. As a science teacher, I have to ensure that I am assessing content rather than writing or reading ability. #Ellchat
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:20 PM EST
    I utilize a lot of inquiry based and collaborative work within my classroom. It allows me to target specific groups in order to ensure they are learning. #ellchat
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:20 PM EST
    A2) Resource: Grading Newcomers: A Can Do Approach https://t.co/mYh7T5hVji #ELLCHAT
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:21 PM EST
    WIDA Can Do Descriptor Name Charts are a life saver for content teachers when writing lesson plans. #Ellchat
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:22 PM EST
    A2) Do you differentiate the language of test questions? #ELLCHAT
    • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:20 PM EST
      I utilize a lot of inquiry based and collaborative work within my classroom. It allows me to target specific groups in order to ensure they are learning. #ellchat
      In reply to @judiehaynes
  • easkelton Jan 8 @ 9:22 PM EST
    YES! And the #WIDA Performance Definitions can also be used in formative assessments and planning for next steps in instruction. #Ellchat
    • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:21 PM EST
      WIDA Can Do Descriptor Name Charts are a life saver for content teachers when writing lesson plans. #Ellchat
      In reply to @judiehaynes
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:23 PM EST
    A2 Sometimes it is not the content of the test but the length. Els loose focus and struggle with staying on the task at hand. #ELLCHAT
  • Tamara_Swift8 Jan 8 @ 9:23 PM EST
    A2 This is a difficult area for many general ed teachers. This is why personalized learning that accommodates all diverse learners is key #ELLchat
  • HSeslteacher Jan 8 @ 9:23 PM EST
    @TanELLclassroom & @emilyfranESL blog post reference on #ELLchat
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:24 PM EST
    A2. My ELLs have paper and pencil assessments based upon Can Do descriptors. Students are allowed to translate as needed, but as far as writing the test questions in other languages I have not done that before. #ellchat
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:25 PM EST
    a2 OH - I do NOT like what you just said! (Not disrespecting you - for sure). I feel like all over education, there is more focus on molding ELLs to fit our traditions, rather than changing traditions such as lengthy tests. Glad you brought that up! #ELLCHAT
    • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:23 PM EST
      A2 Sometimes it is not the content of the test but the length. Els loose focus and struggle with staying on the task at hand. #ELLCHAT
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:26 PM EST
    Agreed! #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:26 PM EST
    A2) I've found that teachers will often differentiate instruction for ELLs but they don;t differentiate the test questions or homework assignment ELLs have difficulty showing what they know. #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:26 PM EST
    A2 @CBTennyson Do you know what I mean? It’s like we struggle to use existing methods of grading ELLs instead of being open to using completely new methods. Just - I don’t know what those new methods would be! #ELLCHAT
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:27 PM EST
    An example of a Level 1 test question for ELLs #ellchat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:28 PM EST
    Good for you! That's terrific! #ELLCHAT
    • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:24 PM EST
      A2. My ELLs have paper and pencil assessments based upon Can Do descriptors. Students are allowed to translate as needed, but as far as writing the test questions in other languages I have not done that before. #ellchat
      In reply to @judiehaynes
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:29 PM EST
    A2 Maybe it wouldn’t be such a challenge to “grade” ELLs if we weren’t trying to stick with old methods. In preK we use portfolios, not assignments. #ELLCHAT
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:29 PM EST
    Yes, very much so. I am frustrated with the mentality that more time on task equates to more learning. when the struggle is so far ahead of what they need, frustration sets in. #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:29 PM EST
    Q3. What criteria do you use when deciding on a grade for ELLs? Does your school district have guidelines you need to follow? #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:30 PM EST
    Q3) Resource: Guidelines for grading ESL students https://t.co/PIYuuKkL7I #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:30 PM EST
    I certainly agree with this frustration, too! #ELLCHAT
    • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:29 PM EST
      Yes, very much so. I am frustrated with the mentality that more time on task equates to more learning. when the struggle is so far ahead of what they need, frustration sets in. #ELLCHAT
      In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • theESLlady Jan 8 @ 9:31 PM EST
    Definitely - that can sometimes be the case for sure! In those situations students can use manipulatives or another appropriate modification like drawing or modeling to show they’ve mastered a certain skill. #ellchat
    In reply to @LeticiaTrower
  • DStaehrFenner Jan 8 @ 9:32 PM EST
    A3 I’m very interested in seeing school districts’ grading guidelines for #ELLs to do a comparison - please share some links if you can #ELLCHAT
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:34 PM EST
    A3 Because I teach Ss close to their level and help modify in Reg classrooms, most grades are based on what they complete & if they have mastered our task. I also give relearning when necessary. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:34 PM EST
    A3) many schools where I've been, there doesn't seem to be any guidelines. Teachers all have their own idea about how to grade ELLs and ESL tchrs are stuck in the middle. #ELLCHAT
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:34 PM EST
    A3. Criteria differs based upon the student and level of English proficiency. #ellchat
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:35 PM EST
    A3 Unfortunately, grading is left up to individual Ts or Ss. EL Ts have to fight for alternative grading when in some Regular classes. A grading guideline would be nice. #Ellchat
  • LeticiaTrower Jan 8 @ 9:36 PM EST
    #ellchat A1 I'm Leticia, rhymes with uh-fish-uh. Former ESL teacher and instructional coach, now managing professional learning. And signing off now lol... Will catch up on the discount tomorrow! 😊
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:36 PM EST
    #ELLCHAT - If you have guidelines from your district, please tweet them to @DStaehrFenner
    • DStaehrFenner Jan 8 @ 9:32 PM EST
      A3 I’m very interested in seeing school districts’ grading guidelines for #ELLs to do a comparison - please share some links if you can #ELLCHAT
  • Tamara_Swift8 Jan 8 @ 9:38 PM EST
    A3. This would be ideal...but I'm not sure this happens consistently #ELLChat
    • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:34 PM EST
      A3. Criteria differs based upon the student and level of English proficiency. #ellchat
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:39 PM EST
    I would agree with you unfortunately. It takes a lot of time and planning. #ellchat
    In reply to @Tamara_Swift8
  • DStaehrFenner Jan 8 @ 9:39 PM EST
    A3 I’m much more aware of grading because my colleagues at @SupportEduc and I were asked to create PD on grading #ELLs & couldn’t find much available on the topic. That’s why Im especially interested in this topic! This is an area where we need to come together #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:40 PM EST
    Q5. Do you have an example of an EL-friendly report card samples you can share? What items do you cover? Please post a link if possible. #ELLCHAT
  • kerrin_moeller Jan 8 @ 9:40 PM EST
    A3 - Grading is supposed to be based on how well students demonstrate their knowledge of the learning target (standards based grading). The problem is teachers not always knowing diff ways to find out what kids know #ellchat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:41 PM EST
    Q4. Do you have an example of an EL-friendly report card samples you can share? What items do you cover? Please post a link if possible. #ELLCHAT
  • sheilabhudson Jan 8 @ 9:41 PM EST
    A3 We filter classroom rubrics through rail standards and differentiate grades based on proficiency. Joining late. My apologies! #ELLCHAT
  • LaurenEHarrison Jan 8 @ 9:42 PM EST
    Dr. Maria de Lourdes Serpa at Lesley University talks a lot about the J Curve. Teaching in differentiated ways until every child is successful (or at the top of the J). Whatever it takes. #ELLchat 1/2
    In reply to @CBTennyson, @KarenNemethEdM
  • LaurenEHarrison Jan 8 @ 9:42 PM EST
    And I think portfolios are the way to go, Karen! #ELLchat 2/2
    In reply to @CBTennyson, @KarenNemethEdM
  • HSeslteacher Jan 8 @ 9:43 PM EST
    A3: I used rubrics shared in advance with ELLs so criteria for grading were explicit early in lesson #ELLChat
  • Tamara_Swift8 Jan 8 @ 9:44 PM EST
    In CT, we have the CELP standards which take the CCSS and shows what an EL should be able to do in each grade band by proficiency level. Unfortunately, not all teachers are aware of this #Ellchat
    • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:39 PM EST
      I would agree with you unfortunately. It takes a lot of time and planning. #ellchat
      In reply to @Tamara_Swift8
  • DStaehrFenner Jan 8 @ 9:46 PM EST
    #ELLCHAT - these are the questions I posed on grading #ELLs last week. @judiehaynes & @KarenNemethEdM and I are on the same wavelength!
    • DStaehrFenner Jan 3 @ 10:35 AM EST
      We're doing research on grading #ELLs. Please help! 1. What are challenges you or your colleagues have in grading ELs? 2. What are some strategies or tools that you find helpful in grading ELs? 3. Any good examples of report cards to share? #ellchat #ellchat_bkclub
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:47 PM EST
    4A Seems we have gone quiet. It is a shame there are few if any grading standards/norms for Els across a district. #ELLCHAT
  • LaurenEHarrison Jan 8 @ 9:47 PM EST
    "Time on task" needs to include more PLAY. To help more learning take place. #ELLchat
    • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:29 PM EST
      Yes, very much so. I am frustrated with the mentality that more time on task equates to more learning. when the struggle is so far ahead of what they need, frustration sets in. #ELLCHAT
      In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • HSeslteacher Jan 8 @ 9:48 PM EST
    I'm curious about standards-based grading for ELLs. #ELLChat
    In reply to @DStaehrFenner, @judiehaynes, @KarenNemethEdM
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:48 PM EST
    A4 it would be good to ask questions like this to ASCD or NAESP audiences. I wonder what principals think about these ideas for grading ELLs? #ELLCHAT
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:48 PM EST
    I am interested in this. Do you have a link to an article or example? #ellchat
    In reply to @LaurenEHarrison, @judiehaynes, @KarenNemethEdM
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:48 PM EST
    Q5) What do you think your school district could do to adopt a better policy for grading ELLs. #ELLCHAT
  • DStaehrFenner Jan 8 @ 9:48 PM EST
    #ELLCHAT colleagues, here’s some useful info @Larryferlazzo just compiled on grading #ELLs
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:49 PM EST
    A4) Excellent resource for us. #ELLCHAT
  • vlcorr Jan 8 @ 9:50 PM EST
    A5. I think the intention is there, but it needs to be communicated to all teachers. Training (hands on) also needs to be provided on how to implement grading and assessment practices. #ellchat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:50 PM EST
    A5) It's obvious from this chat that school districts need to develop policies on grading ELLs and ESL professionals need to be part of that discussion. #ELLCHAT
  • ProjectELL Jan 8 @ 9:51 PM EST
    5 Ways to Improve Your District’s Digital Leadership! #ProjectELL #ELL #ELLChat #AdvocateforEd https://t.co/HSQg1Dwiuh
  • LaurenEHarrison Jan 8 @ 9:51 PM EST
    Finland is one example! 🙌🏽 https://t.co/yCeHCzUSIE #ELLchat
    In reply to @CBTennyson, @judiehaynes, @KarenNemethEdM
  • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:52 PM EST
    A5 Helping Ts and Admin understand grades should be based on scaffolding learning and scaffolding assessment, not just all mastery at GL content #ELLCHAT
  • kerrin_moeller Jan 8 @ 9:53 PM EST
    A5: I think it has to start with an understanding of what proficiency levels mean, and how to differentiate/scaffold/shelter instruction. Only when teachers understand this will they be able to grade fairly. #ellchat
  • theESLlady Jan 8 @ 9:54 PM EST
    This is awesome - thanks for sharing Lauren! #ELLChat
    In reply to @LaurenEHarrison, @CBTennyson, @judiehaynes, @KarenNemethEdM
  • sheilabhudson Jan 8 @ 9:55 PM EST
    A5 Promoting Collaborative teaching as a foundation for grading conversations presents opportunities for good grading practice #ELLChat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:56 PM EST
    Next week on #ELLCHAT in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, we'll discuss Teaching tolerance and cultural awareness to students. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:58 PM EST
    That's great! I agree #ELLCHAT
    • CBTennyson Jan 8 @ 9:52 PM EST
      A5 Helping Ts and Admin understand grades should be based on scaffolding learning and scaffolding assessment, not just all mastery at GL content #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Jan 8 @ 9:58 PM EST
    Yes - and I will be contributing some resources about the concept of “cultural humility” for this important topic! Thanks, #ELLCHAT friends!