Sunday, June 10, 2007

The ELL Outlook

I found this great site called The ELL Outlook. It is a bi-monthly online newsletter about ELLs in public schools. It not only gives helpful information about tips for your classroom but it also provides the latest research and programs available in the field. The best part...subscriptions are free!

http://www.coursecrafters.com/ELL-Outlook/2005/may_jun/index.html
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1 comment:

Kelly said...

I looked at this website and it is great! One of my favorite features was the inclusion of current news in regards to the English language learner. I believe that this is a wonderful addition because it allows educators, as well as society as a whole, to learn and understand the world of ELL in such a way that can hopefully create more awareness and support for this area of education. The article entitled “Insufficient Funding, Overwhelming Needs” really struck a cord for me.
The story discusses how the San Benito School District in Texas is one of the poorest, in regards to funding, within the state. As if that is not sad enough, the population of immigrants and ELL students is gradually rising, which leaves an astounding number of only $326 for each ELL student within the district for additional services and specialties within their educational system. This number floored me. Children require a lot of funding as well as educational support and services in order to properly construct and maintain an educational background and when you add the factor of ELL the support and services should become even more available. This is, however, only my opinion.
One specific entity discussed within the story is the lack of teaching assistance due to financial capabilities. “Unfortunately, classes beyond second grade don't have any assistants to help ELLs learn.” This is horrendous. Children who need help should get it, that is, after all, the job of any educational facility, not just the one in San Benito, Texas.
On a brighter note however, this story did make me realize how much the districts I have come in contact with are accommodating those children with additional needs. Teaching aids and assistants are abundant and support is overwhelming. After reading this article, I am really interested in looking into what other districts within the country are doing in regards to ELL students and hopefully, I will come up with relatively good results.
Thanks for pointing out this site. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I will definitely be back to check out more of what it offers!

June 11, 2007 at 8:02 AM

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