CUMU Conference 2019

Over the past 10 years, the population of English Learners (ELs) in Pennsylvania schools has increased 114 percent, and the number of ELs enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia has soared to 11,000 students—over 12 percent of the District’s students. Historically, efforts to address the unique needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students have focused on training classroom teachers. However, research suggests that in order to fully maximize the opportunities for student learning, training and resources that elevate the status and support for bilingual students must be extended beyond the classroom.

Three years ago, Temple University received a National Professional Development grant to support Philadelphia’s ongoing efforts to improve the school experiences and academic achievements for middle and high school ELs. The program, “Transforming School L.I.F.E. (Leadership, Instruction, and Family Engagement) for English Learners,” is a three-pronged, comprehensive, professional development effort. Consisting of intensive training for in-service teachers, through Temple’s PA ESL Certificate Program, as well as on-site coaching for school leaders and on-site English language instruction to parents of ELs.

This presentation will specifically address the collaborative effort with the School District of Philadelphia and other community partners, as well as the program design, specialized tools, and successes. Attendees will be encouraged to consider how this and/or similar models could be replicated in their settings.