We used to think...
Professional Learning (PL) for teachers of Multilingual Learners (ML) should include “review time” for assessment data as a means to reflect on the quality of teaching in the classroom.
Now we know...
Professional Learning for teachers must include ongoing training on how to analyze a variety of literacy data, what interpretations can be made from literacy data for MLs, and how that data can and should inform instruction.
Best Practice Strategies
To cultivate a supportive multi-language learning environment:
School Leaders
Maintain a comprehensive literacy assessment strategy wherein teachers understand what data is collected, when it should be collected, which factors of literacy development are measured by each assessment, what English literacy data can and cannot explain for MLs, and how assessment outcomes influence instruction.
Build collaborative PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) centered around literacy performance and instruction. Instructional leaders work with teachers to understand student data and instructional implications.
Provide access to professional learning that supports teachers to use cross-linguistic literacy data/review literacy data in both languages side by side to holistically understand the biliteracy development of each student.
Teachers
Work with other teachers and teams to identify trends in literacy needs for their grade level and engage in collaborative Lesson Studies.
Learn ways to incorporate student self-assessment, such as how to include students in analyzing their work and setting personal literacy goals.
Resources
Climbing the HILL Together: Lesson Plan Template
Article・Goldy Muhammed, Sabrin Abedin/Language Magazine
The HILL model is Dr. Muhammad’s instructional framework for CHRE, in which she names five pursuits—identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and joy—as a response to students’ histories, identities, literacies, and liberation. This resource provides teachers with a lesson planning template that uses the HILL framework to plan thoughtful literacy instruction for multilingual learners.
Websites
Making Space for Students in PLCs
Article・Edutopia/Kathy Collier
Based on Elena Aguilar's work, this article offers a perspective on how to include student feedback and experiences in PLCs.
Lectura Spanish Assessment for Biligual Students
Biliteracy Data Analysis・Amplify Education, Inc.
This assessment platform can be used to assess DIBELS and Lectura measures only that allow biliteracy comparison and data analysis
OUSD 22-23 Assessment Calendar
Assessment Calendar・Oakland Unified School District
This sample district calendar includes differentiation for Dual Language schools by language model supporting opportunities for data analysis for MLLs.
Artifacts
1st Grade Rolling Agenda
Document・Claudia Conroy, Design Group
These PLC agenda note catchers capture grade level team's ability to discuss language knowledge across both languages.
Subjunctive Self-assessment
Form・Esther Villahoz Cana, Design Group
With this form students can self-assess their understanding of a new mood (and tense) and identify areas of growth.