Discussion Circle # 2: Targeted Conversations Notes
What strategies and resources can states support to help rural schools enhance instruction for English Learners (EL)?
Facilitator: Heidi Goertzen, Program Associate, Southeast Comprehensive Center
The following comments from participants were captured during the discussion, which involved individuals from multiple states sharing their responses to the question and addressing this and other topics of interest. A facilitator hosted the conversation and took the notes that are reflected here.
Discussion focused on issues that surround ELs in rural schools. These included:
- Inadequate input solicited from parents for ELs,
- Inadequate choices for ELs in schools, and
- Lack of credentialed ESOL teachers.
Solutions discussed included:
- Implementing Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE),
- Reviewing how California has approached teacher credentialing, and
- Strengthening community partnerships for parent engagement.
A participant from the Texas Education Agency expressed interest in Alabama’s implementation of ACT assessments. As such, some of the discussion focused on testing.