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Great new resources

10/31/2017

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The Supporting English Language Learners website from the Alberta Government has recently added some new content! Within the "Programming Information" section there are now two new resources: “Encouraging the Use of Home Languages” and “Understanding the Acquisition of English as an Additional Language.” 
 
Encouraging the Use of Home Languages helps teachers understand the important role home language plays in supporting the acquisition of English and the overall academic success of students who are English language learners. The content suggests ways in which teachers can encourage families to maintain their home language(s) and meaningfully incorporate home languages in the classroom.
 
Understanding the Acquisition of English as an Additional Language provides information and insights into the process of learning English as an additional language and the factors that can affect language acquisition. This information helps teachers provide a supportive learning environment for English language learners and helps teachers select and use instructional strategies appropriate to each student’s language learning needs.

I particularly found the self-reflection charts useful in evaluating my current practices and planning areas for growth.
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ESLC Event October 5, 2017

10/2/2017

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Come connect, converse and collaborate with others in the ESL community in  Calgary this week.  Check out the poster below for details and to RSVP!
ESLC Event.pdf
File Size: 462 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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NOTICE TO ALL ESLC MEMBERS: AGM (November 4th, 2017) and Constitutional Amendments

9/14/2017

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I look forward to welcoming you at ELAC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on November 4th, 2017. The meeting will start at 12 noon. All members are welcome.
 
Notice of Motion
At our AGM, we will be voting on a constitutional amendments.
Motion: To make changes to the constitution as seen in the following proposed document.
(Attach current and revised with highlighted changes)
 
Call for Nominations
 
Nominations are now open for the Executive for the 2017-18 year.  While all elected positions are open for nominations, we anticipate a particular need for the following positions:
  
  • President Elect
  • Treasurer
  • Professional Devleopment Directors
 
And Members at Large for:
  • Edmonton and Area (2 positions)
  • Calgary and Area (2 positions)
  • North ( 1 position)
  • Central (1 position)
  • South (1 position)
 
You may nominate yourself or someone you know for these positions once affirming that they will accept the nomination. Please email ataeslcpresident@gmail.com by October 30th,2017.
 
The executive meets 4-5 times each school year, often in Red Deer and usually on Saturdays. Your commitment would be to attend these meetings and fulfill the duties of the role. All expenses to attend and do the role are covered.
 
ESLC strives to serve and represent its members to the best of our ability, so your presence at the AGM does make a difference.
 
I look forward to seeing you there,

Diane Pham
President, ESLC ATA
constitution_2017_revised.pdf
File Size: 145 kb
File Type: pdf
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eslc_constitution_prior_to_proposed_revisions.pdf
File Size: 146 kb
File Type: pdf
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Top 10 reasons to attend ATA ESLC Conference 2017

9/9/2017

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Still haven't registered for the 2017 ESL-C Conference at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise?  Consider these top 10 reasons to attend:

1) Be inspired by outstanding keynote speakers: Susana Dutro and Margaret Early   
2) Network with like-minded colleagues 
3) Unify our voices as we look at “next steps” for English Language Learners in Alberta 
4) Learn from the best: practical hands-on strategies ready for classroom implementation
5) Discuss classroom success stories and challenges
6) Share in authentic learning experiences that engage and empower ELLs 
7) Participate in family fun activities
8) Experience ultimate Yoga serenity … mind, body and soul.
9) Enjoy the many amenities offered at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
10) Relax in the majestic setting of the Rocky Mountains​

So are you ready?  Visit us at www.eslcata.com/conference.html ... we’d love to see you there!
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Don't miss the date!

5/1/2017

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Don't miss your chance to attend one of our FREE PD and networking events across Alberta in the next two weeks!

Edmonton please RSVP by May 4 to Nancy.musica@shaw.ca to let us know your coming to our event on Thurs. May 11!  All the details of that event are in our flyer available here.

Calgary event is this Saturday, May 6!  For details or to register click here.

Red Deer event is also Thurs. May 11 and you can register for that here.

We look forward to a great time of networking and building ESL capacity across our province.  Be sure to check out our calendar page for details on these events.  Also don't forget to register for our conference in November at Lake Louise!  A great weekend of learning and growing in our capacity to address the needs of English Language Learners as well as meeting new friends and enjoying the beauty our province has to offer.
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Central Alberta PD Event - May 11, 2017

4/27/2017

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Central Alberta, Red Deer and area, this is your opportunity to gather and network with other ESL professionals like yourself! (Not in Red Deer and area?  Checkout our calendar page for similar events in Calgary and Edmonton)

ESLC Networking Event
Who: Central Alberta ESL Specialist Council Members
Where: Red Deer Dawe Centre, Boardroom
When: May 11th
Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Join us for an opportunity to come together to discuss pertinent issues related to supporting English language learners in Central Alberta.  Time will be given to share ideas to help welcome and support ELLs and their families in our school communities.  A brief professional learning session will be offered focusing on effective ELL strategies.  Snacks will be provided.
Click here to register!
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ESLC Conference 2017

4/20/2017

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Come one, come all!  Our conference website is up and running and ready for your registration!  Click the link below to learn more about this years conference in picturesque Lake Louise, Alberta.  Don't forget to register soon so that you can be entered in the early bird prize draw!
Register Here Now!
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PD and Networking events for YOU!

4/18/2017

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The ESLC is very excited to bring some new local events your way.  All you need is membership in the ESLC to attend, which you can get through the ATA.

Calgary
DO YOU SPEAK TECH? 1.0 – Tools to Support Language Learning
Free for members of ESL-C or SLIC  --- and you do NOT need to be a techie to attend!
 
The English as a Second Language Council (ESL-C) and the Second Languages and Intercultural Council (SLIC) of the Alberta Teachers' Association are offering a FREE one day hands-on professional learning opportunity focused on the "Best of the Best" learning technologies to support the acquisition of an additional language.
 
Date: Saturday, May 6th
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm  (lunch will be provided)
Location: John G. Diefenbaker High School (6620 4 St NW, Calgary, AB)

While advance registration is required, membership to either/both councils can be purchased when signing in on the day of the event. Click here to register!

Edmonton
ESLC Wine and Cheese and Networking Event
Barnett House (Edmonton, AB)
Thursday, May 11, 7-8:45 pm
Come join other ESLC members and make connections to the supports you need.  Hosted at the ATA Barnett House (11010 142 Street NW T5N 2R1) in Edmonton.

For those of you in central part of the province, rumour has it a similar event will be coming soon!
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Great stories, #ESLCONFERENCE2016

11/7/2016

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The theme of the ESL-C conference was My Story.
And if you were lucky enough to attend you  got to hear many stories !
Stories that were shared that helped us understand and improve our ELL learners  lives  are as follows;

Elisabeth Coehlo
let us know that everyone’s name has a story and learning the story behind our ELLs names can build positive relationships and build powerful relationships.
Find out what Elisabeth says about academic vocabulary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVI-n8ukBcs

​Marichu Antonio
motivated us with 
Check out how Avenue magazine highlights the courage and strength of Marichu:
http://www.avenuecalgary.com/June-2009/A-List-2009-Marichu-Antonio-and-Cesar-Cala/

Emmnaul Jal
encouraged us with 
Watch Emmanuel inspire through his music:
https://www.ted.com/talks/emmanuel_jal_the_music_of_a_war_child?language=en

In addition, we had many educators and agencies share their stories and wisdom on how to improve student learning for our English Language Learning.


Please join us at our next conference in November 2017 in Banff!
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Top 11 Reasons to attend this years ESLC Conference...

10/30/2016

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STILL HAVEN'T REGISTERED FOR OUR 2016 ESLC CONFERENCE (at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel Calgary Airport on Nov 3rd to 5th)? 
CONSIDER THESE TOP 11 REASONS TO ATTEND!
1) Outstanding international keynote speaker: Elizabeth Coelho 
2) Elizabeth's new book, Adding English: A Guide to Teaching in Multilingual Classrooms available at a special conference rate and top it off with a book signing
3) Emmanuel Jal; International public speaker, musician, actor, author and campaigner will share his inspiring story as a war child. 
4) Learn from our best: Take away practical hands on strategies that can be implemented Monday morning 
5) What is SIOP ... come and find out!
6) All new: Cultural Connections ... deepen your understanding of ELLs in your classroom 
7) Create authentic learning experiences that engage and empower ELLs 
8) Bollywood dance lessons ...oh yeah baby!
9) "What the Frontload?" ... you don't want to miss it!
10) Friday reception .. network with teachers within our province, all with a special interest in ELLs
11) When it's all done ... shop the biggest outlet mall in Alberta, only minutes away.
So are you ready? Register now... just do it!
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The countdown is on!

10/27/2016

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This is it...one week to go until the annual English as a Second Language Conference!  Haven’t registered yet? Not to worry, you can still do so at:  http://www.eslcata.com/conference.html
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Three great keynote speakers! #ESLCKeynotes2016

9/29/2016

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Our annual conference is quickly approaching, and we are getting VERY excited!  We have three amazing keynote speakers for you.

Elizabeth Coelho (Sponsored by University of Toronto Press) - You may recognize Elizabeth’s name from her books; Learning Together in the Multicultural Classroom, Teaching and Learning in Multicultural Schools: An Integrated Approach, Jigsaw, Jigsaw Plus,  and Adding English: A Guide to Teaching in Multilingual Classrooms.

Emmanuel Jal - Emmanuel is a public speaker, a musician, actor, author, and campaigner.  Emmanuel has spoken for the UN, has had a biography of his life released, has released five albums, has acted in movies, and so much more!   You will be impressed and inspired by Emmanuel.

Marichu Antonio - Marichu is the Executive Director of the Ethno-Cultural Council of Canada.  Marichu has extensive leadership experience with diverse communities,  has received the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and Avenue Magazine’s A-List Volunteers in 2009.


For more detailed information on our keynote speakers, please go to:
ESLC Keynotes 2016
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​USEFUL TEACHING RESOURCE

9/23/2016

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By Gaylene Mackay, ESLC Secretary

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/

Larry Ferlazzo's blog has a vast amount of resources for all educators, but especially for those working with English Language Learners. By subscribing to the blog, you are able to receive a daily list of resources to assist in the classroom. He also maintains a large number of "best of"  websites to assist teachers when looking for new sources and new ideas for the classroom.
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Are We There Yet? 

9/9/2016

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by: Nancy Musica, ESL Consultant, Inclusive Learning, Edmonton Public Schools and ESLC PD Director North

​September is the month we most associate with school--the fresh start, the school supplies, and the excitement as the students return and the parents celebrate.  Today I sent my kids back to school--and I was remembering how not that long ago, we prepped for and received so many newcomers from Syria all across Alberta and quite suddenly.  And so many came with not a word of English!  That was a challenge.  Now I'm thinking those students are returning after a great summer (I hope).  They should be a little more accustomed to Canada by now, and I bet they are speaking some English--and pretty excited about school.  But this year poses a new challenge--helping these English language learners move from beginner skills to intermediate.  

This isn't really new to us as educators.  We have had English language learners in our school systems for many years.  It's so wonderful to see students make that progress from no English, to speaking, understanding, participating and learning--and it seems to happen so fast.  Amazing as it is, I think the bigger challenge (and more amazing feat) is moving from beginner skills to intermediate. For academic success, students need to understand and use academic language, read and comprehend in-depth articles, navigate complex topics, and write beyond familiar and personal topics.  Supporting students at this level requires expertise and an intentional approach from teachers.  What are we doing well and what can we do better to support our students in achieving academic success?
There are a lot of recommended, research-based ESL strategies out there and we know about the importance of visuals, building background knowledge, increasing vocabulary, and providing opportunities for oral language.  I believe the challenge is to go deeper into English language development (ELD)--and tackle grammar and vocabulary, providing corrective feedback as well as an explanation of how English works.  Not easy, but maybe something to consider as we set professional growth goals and seek out professional development opportunities.  In his article "Why Teachers Need to Know about ESL Grammar Issues", Keith Folse points out that while we can correct our ELL's grammar errors, we may not always be able to explain why these incorrect structures are not possible. There can be negative consequences if ELLS are told to correct without being taught or shown how, if corrective feedback is not provided, or if teachers can't look beyond the errors to assess understanding of content.  He goes on to explain a few common ELL errors and also points out the importance of grammatical structure in judging the level of a reading passage for ELLs.  
At the intermediate level, it's still a lot about academic vocabulary development.  Beth Crumpler provides strategies and links to resources in her article "Fostering STEM Vocabulary Development in ESL students".  Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) content areas are challenging to ELLs and this short article emphasizes the need for ESL and content area teachers to work together in teaching vocabulary. This is just one example--but this article shows how to go deeper with content area vocabulary.
Many experts in the field of ESL come to mind when considering how to move beginners ELLs to a higher level of proficiency and there's no shortage of information on the topic.  Suzana Dutro, Elizabeth Coelho, and Kate Kinsella provide information, methods and practical resources for teachers to explore.  Certainly there are excellent books, but you can start by seeing what they have posted on the internet and their websites.  Here are a few links to get you started...
Suzana Dutro and EL Achieve:  http://www.elachieve.org/readings.html
Elizabeth Coelho:  http://www.multilingualclassrooms.org/
Kate Kinsella: https://www.ncsu.edu/mckimmon/cpe/opd/ESL/pdf/kinsella001.pdf
References:
"Why K-12 Teachers Need to Know about ESL Grammar Issues", Keith Folse (2009).   http://www.tesol.org/read-and-publish/journals/other-serial-publications/compleat-links/compleat-links-volume-6-issue-3-4-(october-2009)/why-k-12-teachers-need-to-know-about-esl-grammar-issues
"Fostering STEM Vocabulary Development in ESL students", Beth Crumpler (2013). http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/fostering-stem-vocabulary-development-in-esl-students/education
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Enrich your year, register for the ESLC Conference now!

8/30/2016

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Summer is quickly coming to an end and that means a new school year is upon us.  As Fall approaches the ATA English as a Second Language Council is getting very excited about the upcoming annual English as a Second Language Conference.  Being held on November 3 - 5, 2016 at the Courtyard Marriot, Calgary Airport.  This year’s keynote speakers include Elizabeth Coelho - sponsored by University of Toronto Press, Emmanuel Jal and March Antonio.

Registration is open and space is limited!
http://www.eslcata.com/conference.html

For more information on ATA Specialist Council Conference Grants go to:
http://www.teachers.ab.ca/For%20Members/Programs%20and%20Services/Grants%20Awards%20and%20Scholarships/Pages/The%20ATA%20Educational%20Trust.aspx#ata-specialist-council-conference-grants

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Empathy... A Crucial Ingredient to Supporting ELLs

4/30/2016

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Teresa Borchers, MAL Open

Did you know that the February 2016 ASCD Education Leadership magazine focuses on “Helping ELLS Excel?”  It is packed full of current research, practical strategies and important considerations for all educators.  Some of the articles include, “Engaging Your Beginners, Getting to Know ELLs’ Families, Ten (Usually Wrong) Ideas about ELLs and If I Were an ELL…”  One article, “Empathy is the Gateway,” written by David R.M. Saavedra, highlights the need to empathize with English language learners to fully support their academic learning.  He references the work of Krashen (1982) and his theory as to how anxiety, trauma, low self-confidence, and other negative emotions can impede learning, “especially the learning of a new language” (p.66).   It is through empathy that educators can overcome these barriers, and truly make a difference in ability of ELLs to achieve.  

This article also stresses the need to respect the silent period many newcomers face as they adjust to all that is new in their world around them.  Teachers must be patient as they welcome these students in their classroom, and strive to create a nurturing environment that encourages English language learners to speak when they are ready.  Some strategies include inviting new ELLs to participate from day one, partnering them with a patient partner, creating opportunities for nonverbal forms of participation in group work, using visual and tactile experiences to support learning and differentiating their instruction.  As educators, we must be aware that English language learners are often on cognitive overload, and can experience “mental tiredness” (as cited by Igoa, 1995) throughout their day.  This tiredness may also be compounded by family stress.  Giving new ELLs breaks from their learning may be necessary.  In addition, English language learners may need emotional support as they work through this life transition and seek to find themselves in their new surroundings.  This article encourages educators to get to know their ELLs and their story, and that it is by doing so, trusting relationships develop that allow for learning to take place.

As our province continues to welcome new refugees and immigrants, we are reminded that empathy is essential to overcoming trauma, building relationships, and to fully support learning.

References
Igoa, C. (1995). The inner world of the immigrant child.  Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Krashen, S. (1982).  Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Oxford, UK: Pergamon.    
Saavedra, D. (2016). Empathy is the gateway.
Educational Leadership, 73(5), 66-69. ASCD.
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TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo 2016 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A.

4/25/2016

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Samantha Tomlinson, MAL Calgary Catholic School District

At the registration desk I received a large booklet listing the sessions being offered that resembled more of a Sears wish catalogue than any conference program I’ve ever seen. Sessions varied providing full day, key note and 45 minute sessions to poster sessions and special interest group roundtable discussions. It was TESOL’s 50th year celebration and my first time attending.

Excited! I packed my two full days with sessions and came away with some great ideas and gems to share with my colleagues.

The opening keynote address was an excellent way to begin! Aziz Abu Sarah, a cultural educator and peace-maker took to the stage where he shared his story- the journey from his childhood to where he is now- as well as adding in some of his possible future directions. One teacher inspired him to change his response to life from violently building protective and vengeful walls to one of building understanding and bridges.

Abu Sarah presents the importance of challenging our own stereotypes, building our understanding of others and engaging in experiential learning as not just nice but necessary steps toward building intercultural bridges and cross cultural understandings. He shared some vignettes from his experiences that illustrated each of these and how these actions cast a very different direction than one would- and at times even he- would have expected.

The final metaphor he left the audience with was this: Our world at this moment in time is like a building that is on fire. We all are presented with three choices. 1: We can run away from the fire. 2: We can form a committee to discuss who is responsible for the fire. 3: We can get a bucket of water and pour it on the fire. We may feel that as one person our bucket may not do much good; we may feel that we don’t have a bucket only a cup or a spoon to fill with water. Abu Sarah stresses that as educators we AT LEAST have a spoon! As educators we have the ability and means to connect with students and impact their lives and learning as one of his teachers did for him. That student, in turn, would go on to impact others and thus the cycle continues. Collectively, as a profession, we are committed to doing something! I may have a spoon, you a cup, a colleague a bucket. Together our efforts work to douse the flames of insecurity, misunderstanding, violence and fear.

You can read more about his work as a National Geographic explorer, cultural educator and peace-maker, more about his story and the teacher who inspired him through his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/azizabusarah or website at www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/bios/aziz-sarah.
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ESLC Strategic Planning

3/22/2016

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ESL-C executive met on March 4-6 to work on our third year of our three year action plan. Discussion included information regarding welcoming refugee families, updating our council website, submitting to the ESL-C publication (Accent) and sharing information regarding the upcoming ESL-C conference My Story, My World (November 3-5 in Calgary). The executive has also begun looking at strategic planning around future goals and directions to support our council members. Stay tuned! Continue to log into the website for updates, resources and tidbits!
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All In! How Educators Can Advocate for English Language Learners

4/18/2015

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This excellent guide was authored by the National Education Association and was recommended by Lynn Farrugia, ESLC Member at Large: Edmonton Public and ESL Consultant, Inclusive Learning.  We encourage our membership to read, review and share comments.Go to the link at  
http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/17440_ELL_AdvocacyGuide2015_web.pdf. Let's share the discussion and advocate for English Language Learners and ELL programs in Alberta.

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Best Practices for Adolescent ELLs by Judith Rance-Roney 

10/31/2013

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 Source: Educational Leadership April 2009 | Volume 66 | Number 7 pp. 32-37
Read article by Judith Rance-Roney here
Share and discuss here...
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