REL West News

Teaching Academic Vocabulary in Grades PreK–1

Intentionally designed read-alouds can foster literacy development by building language and comprehension skills. This REL West video shares tips for asking effective questions for both on-the-surface and deeper-dive discussions of books, models the read-aloud process, and introduces a writing task and a read-aloud planning template.

Now, more than ever, students are navigating complex reading tasks in complex learning environments. Learn new ways to support learning and collaboration in all subject areas using the Reading Apprenticeship instructional model. Register for online professional learning today.

Reading Apprenticeship Essentials: Starts January 18 (Middle school, high school, & college)

Reading Apprenticeship 101: Starts January 18 (College only)

Reading Apprenticeship in College Writing Course: Starts January 18 (College only)

With the move to distance learning, students who are English Learners have been disproportionally affected by issues of access to technology, access to models of spoken and written language, and more. View this recent webinar to learn about tools and processes for supporting oral interactions and language development during this time.

Register for new online learning designed to support educators in increasing the academic literacy of students who are English Learners. These courses cover teaching young children, designing rigorous learning experiences, and accelerating language development in distance learning environments respectively.

Strengthening Early Language & Literacy for English Learners in Grades K–2: Starts November 10

Quality Teaching for English Learners e-Series: A Pedagogy of Promise Course: Starts November 11

Accelerating Language Development for English Learners During Distance Learning Institute: Starts November 12

In this recent essay, Natalie Walrond of the national Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety asks, “What if, five years from now, we look back on 2020 as the year that K–12 education took the first real steps toward becoming a truly equitable, sustainable system that gives each and every child the education and care they need to develop a sense of personal purpose, the ability to sustain healthy relationships, a sense of place in the community, success in school and the workplace, and engaged citizenship?”

We hope the ideas here help leaders at every level find their way forward during this challenging time.

For a complete list of events, resources, and perspectives to support fall 2020 back-to-school planning and distance learning, visit our COVID-19 webpage.