Foundations

We recognize that the greater context of our work exists within systems of White supremacy and cultural elitism and we move critically and consciously to challenge those systems.

We provide ELs with the linguistic tools needed for social mobility outside of school while also legitimizing multilingualism and multidialectalism in our classrooms.

Language learning mediates knowledge acquisition and so a students’ ability to operate within a language has a significant impact on their success in all other content areas. In ELD courses, we teach skills that are necessary for all other learning. We teach language skills that are immediately applicable and relevant and therefore parallel the lives of students. We also teach skills that are more abstract and academic that precede future educational and career endeavors.

All language domains (speaking, listening, reading, writing) are interdependent; neither can be taught in isolation. We use all domains in the teaching of language; however, we establish a practice of guided noticing to create moments of focus where we name, highlight, and illuminate aspects of a language domain explicitly so that we may practice, evaluate, and master an aspect of language.

All learning must lead to meaning making and expression of meaning. Students in our Fundamentals courses through our Sheltered courses are equally exposed to opportunities to make and express meaning from their lived experiences.