W1: English Language Learners:  From Assessments to Effective Interventions

 Symposium Chair: Elsa Cardenas-Hagan, Ed.D., Director, Valley Speech Language and Learning Center

Welcome & Introduction
Elsa Cardenas-Hagan, Ed.D., Director, Valley Speech Language and Learning Center 

Language and Literacy Assessments for English Language Learners
David Francis, Ph.D., Department Chairman, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor, and Director of the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston
Dr. Francis will provide recommendations for an RTI framework for effective assessments of ELLs' language and literacy skills.  Policies regarding testing accommodations for ELLS and their effectiveness will also be discussed.  Examples for the use of multiple data sources to ensure a comprehensive language and literacy assessment for ELLs will be provided.

Effective Interventions for ELLs in Elementary School
Elsa Cardenas-Hagan, Ed.D., Director, Valley Speech Language and Learning Center 
In this session participants will learn the results of 2 longitudinal studies among ELLs in first and second grade.  An RTI framework will be discusses as well as strategies for effective literacy interventions.

Redefining Prevention and Intervention Models to Match the Needs of Struggling Adolescent ELLs
Nonie Lesaux, Ph.D., Marie and Max Kargman Associate Professor in Human Development and Urban Education Advancement, Harvard University
Educators pose multiple questions about effective practices and services to promote the development of adolescent children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This presentation will feature research that led to the design of an instructional approach to meet the literacy needs of adolescent English Language Learners and their native English-speaking classmates in under-performing middle schools. Key findings from research conducted with ELLs from preK through 8th grade, which motivated the shift in the instructional model to better meet the needs of today's adolescent struggling readers, will be presented. In turn, research-based, actionable steps for effective assessment approaches, preventative practices, and interventions aimed at bolstering students’ reading outcomes are featured.  Common misconceptions and practices that impede this population's academic development will also be discussed.

Effective Vocabulary and  Comprehension Strategies among English Language Learners
Coleen Carlson, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston
In this session, Dr. Carlson will discuss the development of second language basic and academic vocabulary skills.  Strategies for providing multiple opportunities for practice will be explored and demonstrated.  Participants will also learn effective comprehension strategies amongst this group of students.