The Common Core and ELLs
The Common Core State Standards is meant to provide a uniform framework for student learning objectives. Its mission is to “provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them.”
The design of the standards attempts to capture the knowledge and skills that young people need to be succeed in the 21st century. With a focus on college and career readiness, the standards outline the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that students need across the curriculum with attention to language and mathematics.
The design of the standards attempts to capture the knowledge and skills that young people need to be succeed in the 21st century. With a focus on college and career readiness, the standards outline the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that students need across the curriculum with attention to language and mathematics.
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English Language Learners face significant challenges in being able to meet Common Core objectives.
Apart from learning the course content, ELLs, simultaneously, must comprehend and produce language effectively. They must internalize large amounts of academic vocabulary. Likewise, ELLs must also possess the skills to interact with the content and their peers in meaningful, grade appropriate ways. |
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Five Challenges ELLs Face with the Common Core:
- Language Level ≠ Grade Level: A beginning level or advanced level English language learner can be found in any grade level. ELLs possess similar cognizant skills for their age yet may not have the language skills associated with their age group.
- Language Rich Content: ELLs need to develop a breadth and depth of academic and social language and must be able to navigate successfully through each. They need to be able to use academic language that is appropriate to the context and purpose.
- Complexity of texts: The common core highlight the need to be able to dissect and digest complex pieces of information. This requires that ELLs understand complex language and that they be able to read and digest large amounts of information.
- Conveying ideas: English language learners need to be able to form arguments and make persuasions in writing with grade level appropriate language and structures. They need to understand the cultural norms in the classroom to work with others effectively.
- Participation: Whether as a whole class or in groups, ELLs need to be able to participate effectively. This requires the ability to assert oneself, ask for clarification, share ideas, and many other skills that are vital to success.
Five Challenge Teachers Face with the Common Core:
- Students' Needs: Understanding an ELL's needs is critical. Students may understand the concept but not have the language to express their understanding.
- Academic and Social Language: Being aware of the academic and social language skills ELLs need to internalize the class content.
- Comprehensible Input: Scaffolding students into comprehending authentic language and complex texts effectively and efficiently.
- Support Language: Giving ELLs the language support they need to demonstrate their understanding orally or in writing.
- Participating: Making sure ELLs interact effectively with the language, the content and their peers in meaningful ways.
One Solution
TESOL Trainers offers high quality, experiential solutions to K-12 teacher professional development. Whether your staff needs a short term overview of the Common Core and ELLs or an in-depth look, TESOL Trainers can create professional development that sets your teachers up for success.
