Week of September 14th
Upcoming Professional Development
Upcoming Professional Development
Monthly ESOL Meetings/Professional Development (PD)
Monthly ESOL Meetings/Professional Development (PD)
We want to be sure that all ESOL teachers have an opportunity to attend our Monthly ESOL Meetings. We have adjusted the the times and days to better accommodate the closing of buildings at 5:00pm for COVID cleaning and sanitation. These new times and dates will begin in October.
We want to be sure that all ESOL teachers have an opportunity to attend our Monthly ESOL Meetings. We have adjusted the the times and days to better accommodate the closing of buildings at 5:00pm for COVID cleaning and sanitation. These new times and dates will begin in October.
We have divided our Monthly Meetings and PD in half. The second Tuesday of each month will be our General ESOL Session and the times will run Elementary, 3:00-3:45 and Secondary, 4:00-4:45. Topic based professional development sessions will be the third Thursday of each month at the same times (Elementary, 3:00-3:45 and Secondary, 4:00-4:45). We will record the sessions and links will be provided in the current week's Newsletter each time.
We have divided our Monthly Meetings and PD in half. The second Tuesday of each month will be our General ESOL Session and the times will run Elementary, 3:00-3:45 and Secondary, 4:00-4:45. Topic based professional development sessions will be the third Thursday of each month at the same times (Elementary, 3:00-3:45 and Secondary, 4:00-4:45). We will record the sessions and links will be provided in the current week's Newsletter each time.
Professional Development Credit:
Professional Development Credit:
During September’s PD sessions, we asked that teachers sign-in by typing their name in the chat. The chat threads were automatically saved at the end of each session. Christine Ware has gone through each chat to take the roll of attendees and has awarded points.
During September’s PD sessions, we asked that teachers sign-in by typing their name in the chat. The chat threads were automatically saved at the end of each session. Christine Ware has gone through each chat to take the roll of attendees and has awarded points.
Starting in October, you will be given the attendance code to put in at the beginning of a session for you to enter in the portal. If you have a difficult time toggling between screens during a Zoom, I recommend you go to the portal via another device such as your phone to entire the code in the portal. You will need to make sure you enter the code during the session and not after.
Starting in October, you will be given the attendance code to put in at the beginning of a session for you to enter in the portal. If you have a difficult time toggling between screens during a Zoom, I recommend you go to the portal via another device such as your phone to entire the code in the portal. You will need to make sure you enter the code during the session and not after.
A few reminders for upcoming sessions:
A few reminders for upcoming sessions:
- Please register on the portal prior to the PD date and time.
- It is your professional responsibility to register in advance.
- Please choose at the time of registering whether you want re-certification points or exchange day credit.
- Do not send an email to request one or the other be awarded after the session
- You will have up to 5 days after the session to change how you receive credit.
Don't Forget! ESOL Open Office Hours
Don't Forget! ESOL Open Office Hours
We are here to support you! We are excited to hold open time each week to support you. You do not have to sign-up! You simply enter the Zoom link if you have questions or need assistance. Please note some sessions are specific to New ESOL Teachers. Each of the ICs have an assigned mentor group. If you are a new ESOL Teacher, please see the chart below to know who is your support person.
We are here to support you! We are excited to hold open time each week to support you. You do not have to sign-up! You simply enter the Zoom link if you have questions or need assistance. Please note some sessions are specific to New ESOL Teachers. Each of the ICs have an assigned mentor group. If you are a new ESOL Teacher, please see the chart below to know who is your support person.
ALL ESOL Teachers are welcome to attend all other open office hours to receive needed support!
ALL ESOL Teachers are welcome to attend all other open office hours to receive needed support!
The chart with times and Zoom Links (this is also located in SLIDE #9 and #10 in our September Google Slide Presentation)
The chart with times and Zoom Links (this is also located in SLIDE #9 and #10 in our September Google Slide Presentation)
Enrich Professional Development: ILAP
Enrich Professional Development: ILAP
Once we have initiated our students, uploaded our files and sent home the Parent Notification Letters, it is time to begin our Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAP). We are learning each aspect step by step. The State ILAP has been officially updated in Enrich as of 9/10/2020. We have the perfect timing!
Once we have initiated our students, uploaded our files and sent home the Parent Notification Letters, it is time to begin our Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAP). We are learning each aspect step by step. The State ILAP has been officially updated in Enrich as of 9/10/2020. We have the perfect timing!
We are holding PD on September 22nd and 23rd specifically for how to complete ILAPs. We are offering the same session 4 times. You only need to attend ONE session. If you cannot attend any of the 4 sessions when they are offered, the recording will be provided.
We are holding PD on September 22nd and 23rd specifically for how to complete ILAPs. We are offering the same session 4 times. You only need to attend ONE session. If you cannot attend any of the 4 sessions when they are offered, the recording will be provided.
Remember we have updated the times to make sure everyone can attend before buildings close (3:00-3:45 and 4:00-4:45 on both days)
Remember we have updated the times to make sure everyone can attend before buildings close (3:00-3:45 and 4:00-4:45 on both days)
YOU WILL ONLY RECEIVE A ZOOM LINK TO THE SESSION IF YOU SIGN UP IN THE PD PORTAL!!!!
YOU WILL ONLY RECEIVE A ZOOM LINK TO THE SESSION IF YOU SIGN UP IN THE PD PORTAL!!!!
Previous Professional Development
Previous Professional Development
September 8th ESOL Monthly PD
September 8th ESOL Monthly PD
Thank you so much for attending our September 8th monthly meeting. If you were not able to attend, please take the time to watch the recording and go over the Google Slides. If you attended and would like to watch again or use the slides as a reference, please do so!
Thank you so much for attending our September 8th monthly meeting. If you were not able to attend, please take the time to watch the recording and go over the Google Slides. If you attended and would like to watch again or use the slides as a reference, please do so!
All other Break out session recordings and resources will be shared in the appropriate Newsletter Tab by Topic
All other Break out session recordings and resources will be shared in the appropriate Newsletter Tab by Topic
Reminders and Clarifications
Reminders and Clarifications
High School ESOL Teachers ONLY!
High School ESOL Teachers ONLY!
Please check with your guidance counselors and ask for the names of the ELs that are in SC Virtual Courses. You MUST complete their ILAPs FIRST and send a copy to SC Virtual NO LATER than September 25th! If you have any questions, please contact Tanya Franca, Director of ESOL Services.
Please check with your guidance counselors and ask for the names of the ELs that are in SC Virtual Courses. You MUST complete their ILAPs FIRST and send a copy to SC Virtual NO LATER than September 25th! If you have any questions, please contact Tanya Franca, Director of ESOL Services.
Do you have something to celebrate? I hope we all do! Please share with the team so we can celebrate together! Teams that celebrate together, accelerate together!
Do you have something to celebrate? I hope we all do! Please share with the team so we can celebrate together! Teams that celebrate together, accelerate together!
Pleas complete the Google Form with celebrations! This is ongoing throughout the year! I will add them every Thursday in our Newsletter!
Pleas complete the Google Form with celebrations! This is ongoing throughout the year! I will add them every Thursday in our Newsletter!
Grading for Newcomers during eLearning
Grading for Newcomers during eLearning
We know grading for Newcomers can be difficult during eLearning. We have provided guidance in our ESOL Expectations document that is linked in the district's eLearning Expectations document. To clarify and add more support, Tanya has created a video explanation for administrators. Once that has been shared with administrators this week, it will be posted in next week's Newsletter. You are welcome to share it freely with content teachers and use it as a guide. Thank you for all you do!
We know grading for Newcomers can be difficult during eLearning. We have provided guidance in our ESOL Expectations document that is linked in the district's eLearning Expectations document. To clarify and add more support, Tanya has created a video explanation for administrators. Once that has been shared with administrators this week, it will be posted in next week's Newsletter. You are welcome to share it freely with content teachers and use it as a guide. Thank you for all you do!
Check the ENRICH tab in our Newsletter for IMPORTANT updates and information!!!
Check the ENRICH tab in our Newsletter for IMPORTANT updates and information!!!
Kerry Culpepper, LEAD ESOL Teacher, has posted the latest video and information on uploading documents into ENRICH and the Collaboration Portal. The Collaboration Portal will be utilized to send the Parent Notification Letters Home.
Kerry Culpepper, LEAD ESOL Teacher, has posted the latest video and information on uploading documents into ENRICH and the Collaboration Portal. The Collaboration Portal will be utilized to send the Parent Notification Letters Home.
Important Curriculum Updates for Elementary ESOL Teachers
Important Curriculum Updates for Elementary ESOL Teachers
REACH Phonics and REACH USA Newcomer Curriculum-Please check pages for new videos for Features of the Week!
REACH Phonics and REACH USA Newcomer Curriculum-Please check pages for new videos for Features of the Week!
The Independent Readers for grades 1-2 can be accessed on the REACH into Phonics page from the Virtual classroom!
The Independent Readers for grades 1-2 can be accessed on the REACH into Phonics page from the Virtual classroom!
-All of the REACH Phonics Diagnostic Test (1st-2nd Grades) and Placement Tests (Grades 3-5) can be accessed and printed on the REACH into Phonics Virtual Page.
-All of the REACH Phonics Diagnostic Test (1st-2nd Grades) and Placement Tests (Grades 3-5) can be accessed and printed on the REACH into Phonics Virtual Page.
ILAP Accommodations and Best Practices...
ILAP Accommodations and Best Practices...
After you initiate your ELs in Enrich, the next step is to complete the Parent Notification Letters (PLN). On the PLN you have to indicate if the EL will be served with OR without accommodations. You can use the following screenshots of the new ILAP form to guide your decision. We will have the specific ILAP professional development and directions on September 22nd and 23rd. Remember one step at a time...
After you initiate your ELs in Enrich, the next step is to complete the Parent Notification Letters (PLN). On the PLN you have to indicate if the EL will be served with OR without accommodations. You can use the following screenshots of the new ILAP form to guide your decision. We will have the specific ILAP professional development and directions on September 22nd and 23rd. Remember one step at a time...
ACCESS 2020 Report
ACCESS 2020 Report
Since our GCSource report is not yet up and running (technology is doing a test run on Thursday), our Enrich Coordinator Meg Pletcher has created an ACCESS 2020 report for us in Enrich. This will give you a report of all your students and their current ACCESS scores with grade levels included. You will only see students if they are scheduled to you in Power School.
Since our GCSource report is not yet up and running (technology is doing a test run on Thursday), our Enrich Coordinator Meg Pletcher has created an ACCESS 2020 report for us in Enrich. This will give you a report of all your students and their current ACCESS scores with grade levels included. You will only see students if they are scheduled to you in Power School.
If you have more than one school, you must log into your home school at the main log in screen. Then you can toggle between schools on the top right of the home page after you login.
If you have more than one school, you must log into your home school at the main log in screen. Then you can toggle between schools on the top right of the home page after you login.
A special thanks to Tory Pennington for creating this direction video for us and the Virtual ESOL Teachers!
A special thanks to Tory Pennington for creating this direction video for us and the Virtual ESOL Teachers!
No Orange Folders
No Orange Folders
Since we are shifting to the digital documentation process, we do not need to create orange permanent folders for our students. All Home Language Survey (HLS) forms and original Screener Score sheets with student written sections (writing for Elementary) are to be placed behind the Testing Card in the permanent records with DO NOT Purge written on them.
Since we are shifting to the digital documentation process, we do not need to create orange permanent folders for our students. All Home Language Survey (HLS) forms and original Screener Score sheets with student written sections (writing for Elementary) are to be placed behind the Testing Card in the permanent records with DO NOT Purge written on them.
Updated ESOL Personnel List
Updated ESOL Personnel List
This is ever-changing with the needs of our students and teachers. Please save this link and check periodically as needed. Sonya League is updating this constantly as we have changes. Thanks!
This is ever-changing with the needs of our students and teachers. Please save this link and check periodically as needed. Sonya League is updating this constantly as we have changes. Thanks!
Instructional Support and Scheduling Students
Instructional Support and Scheduling Students
In order for you to be able to access all your student information in various databases, the students must be scheduled to you in Power School. For secondary ESOL teachers, you should be scheduled a consultative "caseload" if there are more than one of you at a school. You need to divide up the students and ensure that all ESOL teachers have a portion of the consulative and monitored ELs in the building. If there are any questions, please contact Tanya Franca, Director of ESOL Services.
In order for you to be able to access all your student information in various databases, the students must be scheduled to you in Power School. For secondary ESOL teachers, you should be scheduled a consultative "caseload" if there are more than one of you at a school. You need to divide up the students and ensure that all ESOL teachers have a portion of the consulative and monitored ELs in the building. If there are any questions, please contact Tanya Franca, Director of ESOL Services.
Scheduling Charts and Scheduling Information
Scheduling Charts and Scheduling Information
We included the Curriculum Scheduling information and charts in our Beginning of the Year Folder. By request I have linked it here for your convenience. Keep up the great work!
We included the Curriculum Scheduling information and charts in our Beginning of the Year Folder. By request I have linked it here for your convenience. Keep up the great work!
W-APT and WIDA Screeners with Virtual Academy ELs
W-APT and WIDA Screeners with Virtual Academy ELs
All ELs without a proficiency score must be screened. If the students are enrolled in the K-8 Virtual Academy, they still must be administered a screener. That must be done Face to Face at the home school. When you screen a K-8 Virtual Academy EL, please complete the Google Form below for each student. This will signal our office to assign the EL to their virtual ESOL teacher. Thanks so much!
All ELs without a proficiency score must be screened. If the students are enrolled in the K-8 Virtual Academy, they still must be administered a screener. That must be done Face to Face at the home school. When you screen a K-8 Virtual Academy EL, please complete the Google Form below for each student. This will signal our office to assign the EL to their virtual ESOL teacher. Thanks so much!
ESOL teachers must reach out to the parents and schedule the students to come into the building to administer the screener. If you have issues please reach out to your building administrators. A process for documenting when parents refuse to bring students to the building will be shared in next week's newsletter after it has been shared with principals.
ESOL teachers must reach out to the parents and schedule the students to come into the building to administer the screener. If you have issues please reach out to your building administrators. A process for documenting when parents refuse to bring students to the building will be shared in next week's newsletter after it has been shared with principals.
Newcomers and Phonic Kits for Elementary Schools
Newcomers and Phonic Kits for Elementary Schools
We have a current list of schools that did not receive the Reach in the USA kits and the Phonics Kits this past January. For the purchase of these materials, we are using an immigrant grant. For various reasons unforeseen and out of our immediate control, the 20-21 grants have not been awarded yet. Once those are awarded, our office will make the order and all schools that did not previously receive materials will receive them. Looking at the current holds with the State Department it might be October before we receive them. Please use as many online resources and the Lesson Planet created lessons for the first units. Latoi Gibson is your contact for the Elementary Newcomer Curriculum.
We have a current list of schools that did not receive the Reach in the USA kits and the Phonics Kits this past January. For the purchase of these materials, we are using an immigrant grant. For various reasons unforeseen and out of our immediate control, the 20-21 grants have not been awarded yet. Once those are awarded, our office will make the order and all schools that did not previously receive materials will receive them. Looking at the current holds with the State Department it might be October before we receive them. Please use as many online resources and the Lesson Planet created lessons for the first units. Latoi Gibson is your contact for the Elementary Newcomer Curriculum.