Developing LIteracy, Math and Social Skills for At-Risk and "ELL" Students - ASCD Conference

12:30-1:30 (did not stay for entire presentation)
Judy Stoehr - NON-comprehensive handout given
Children of Poverty: At-Risk
Related factors - Abuse/neglect, substance abuse, dangerous neighborhoods, homelessness, mobility, exposure to inappropriate experiences, single or low educational level of parents

Indicators - Aggression, violence, social withdrawal, delay in language development, delay in reading development, irregualr attendance, substance abuse, depression, uncompleted assignments, unprepared for tests, learning

Words students hear in 1 hour:
Professional Parents 2153 words
Middle Class Parents 1251 words
Poverty Parents 615 words

English Language Learners: At Risk - 3 types- see handout
Long-Term English Learner - usually above grade 2 - non longer get ESL service, continue academic difficulties, proficient conversationally but not in content language - NEED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

Learners with Limited Learning - may be new arrivals to US, not fluent conversationally, MAY NOT HAVE DEFELOPED PROFICIENCY IN THEIR NATIVE LANGUAGE

Learners Proficient in Native Language (but not English) - Demonstrate capability of language learning, may have less difficulty becoming proficient in English

General Characteristics of At-Risk Learners- see handout
Global (big picture) - the kids that are always asking "why"

Need Cooperative Experiences - new information should not be introduced for more than 5-8 minutes. Time better used for student centered cooperative learning.

Tactile/Kinesthetic -

Readiness and Intervention: Suggestions-see handout
Identify at-risk students ASAP, offer explicit, intensive, systematic instruction, target multiple learning styles, create peer mediated instruction, connect content, reflect, refocus attention frequently, activate prior learning, develop relationships with students/parents, connect with students' culture, help students become responsive, create flexible grouping, assess regularly, provide parents with information on how to reinforce, incorporate inquiry learning, use organizers, repitition and rehearsal

Vocabulary Activity - 4 square paper - definition, picture, synonym, antonym - on the back write a sentence and as a team come up with a movement/gesture.