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October 22, 2007
 Immigration Law Center of Minnesota Presentations
The November 1st deadline to schedule an ILCM presentation is soon approaching. For
ten years, ILCM has provided free legal services to low- income
immigrants in Ramsey and 32 southern Minnesota counties, and it is
currently the only legal program in Minnesota to provide free
comprehensive immigration services to low-income persons of all
nationalities who are ineligible for federally funded legal services
programs. ILCM is also one of the few agencies available to provide
education, training and outreach to other professionals and the
community at large in immigration affairs. The ILCM Youth
Intervention Project allows them to continue their commitment to
community education and outsource services to schools. The Saint Paul
Public Schools (SPPS) Project began as a collaboration between ILCM and
SPPS, which has a 60% immigrant or first-generation student
population. Through the Saint Paul Public Schools Project, ILCM staff
works closely with SPPS to inform and update students, teachers,
administrators and staff on immigrant rights, terms and the immigration
legal system, ensuring that all levels of the school system are
sensitive to immigration issues. Some of the classes they provide are:
No Second Chance- an
interactive presentation to allow students to proactively learn about
risky deportation behaviors. This is an English Language Learners
based presentation about citizenship, deportation and immigration
status— available for all ages.
Immigration 101- helps
students understand the issues surrounding immigration. This
presentation covers immigration status, how to get citizenship,
statistics and facts about immigration in Minnesota—available for
middle and high school Social Studies and Spanish classes,
para-professionals that work with immigrant families, parent meetings,
and trainings.
Immigration and Schools- This presentation
targets school staff and allows them to ask questions and address
concerns on immigration issues. It includes a discussion on
immigration statuses, how to get citizenship and new legislation.
If
you are interested in learning more about what ILCM has to offer or
would like to schedule a presentation in your classroom or school,
please contact Alissa Jones, the new Education Coordinator at ILCM by
phone (651- 641-1011 Ext. 209) or e-mail ( education@ilcm.org). The deadline for requests is November 1st, 2007 for the 2007-2008 academic year. Schedule your presentation now!
Reprint from Superintendent's Bulletin: LCD Staff Training
Action Requested: Required Annual Training for all Latino Consent Decree (LCD) Staff
10/19/2007 2:15 PM
TO: All Principals
All LCD Staff
FROM: Valeria Silva, Chief Academic Officer
Heidi Bernal, Director, ELL Department
RE: Required Annual Training for all Latino Consent Decree (LCD) Staff
The annual Latino Consent Decree training is designed for all qualified
bilingual teachers, bilingual educational assistants, ELL/LCD teachers,
and district personnel directly responsible for providing or
administering educational programs and services for Latino students
under the LCD stipulation. It will provide an overview of the court
mandates in this area, district philosophy regarding bilingual
education, explanation of language categories, ESL services,
assessment, district guidelines, and LCD staff roles and
responsibilities. All LCD staff are required by the stipulation to
attend one of the following sessions. A stipend will be paid.
Please contact Pablo Matamoros ( Pablo.matamoros@spps.org) if you have any questions.
Somali Parents Advisory Committee You
and your family are invited to attend a very important and inspiring
Somali Parent Advisory Committee meeting about the future of our
children in St. Paul Public Schools.
Learn the role of parents in their Children’s education. Hear from the experiences of other parents like you.
Speakers:
Dana Abrams, Ombudsman, & Joe Munnich, FCI Office
Heidi Bernal, Director, ELL Department
For details, please contact:
Abdisalam Adam: 651-767-8388, or
Mukhtar Gaaddasaar: 651-767-8364
360 Colborne Street
Date/Time:
Friday, October,26
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Download Flyer
TEAE Result Letters
The TEAE Individual result letters were sent to each school
last week. Please make sure the letters are sent home to the family by
either backpack, mail, parent conference etc.
If you have any questions please email: phi.vu@spps.org or rennie.zimmer@spps.org. Milkweed Prize Winner at the Red Balloon
Meet Ellie Mathews, the winner of the 2007 Milkweed Prize for Children's Literature for The Linden Tree. She will be at the Red Balloon Bookshop on Saturday, November 3. Please see the attached flyer. Download Flyer
The New and Improved English Language Proficiency Report
As
you may recall from the Opening Week Meeting, we are no longer using
the ELL checklist. The ELL Reporting Think Tank has developed a new
English Language Proficiency Report based on the National ELP Standards
from TESOL. Teachers will be able to access the report on the Office of
Academics website where other progress reports are located.
Below
is the information about the ELP report which Heidi Bernal sent to
principals last week. Included is information about up-coming training
sessions. The ELL contact teacher from every elementary school should
attend one of the three sessions. This person will then train the ELL
teachers in her or his school. If the contact teacher cannot attend,
please designate another ELL teacher to attend one of the trainings in
her/his place. Please note, we have the capacity for only one ELL
teacher from each building to attend the training. See the chart below
for training dates.
Please register using PDExpress.
The English Language Proficiency Report 2007-08
Saint
Paul Public Schools ELL Department has developed a new English Language
Proficiency (ELP) Report. This ELP report replaces the ELL “Checklist.”
The purpose of this report is to monitor English language proficiency
and progress. The report will be used for all ELL level 1 – 4 students
(as reported on the ELL Eligibility list and in CAMPUS).
The ELP
report will be completed by the ELL teacher providing direct services
to the student for fall, spring, and end-of-the-year reporting periods.
The ELP Report:
- is aligned with national and Minnesota ELP standards.
- addresses social and academic language in the context of the content areas.
- can be accessed online using the same procedures as for the Progress Reports used by classroom teachers and specialists.
- should be printed and distributed to families at conference time by ELL teachers.
- will be filed in student’s cumulative folder upon completion at the end of the year.
The
ELL teacher is responsible for completing the ELP report for each ELL
eligible student. They should also collaborate with classroom teachers
to complete the summary report in the areas in which they serve
students (e.g., if the ELL and general education teacher deliver
collaborative instruction during Readers Workshop).
ELP Report Training
The
ELL department will be training a contact teacher from each building in
the use of the new report. One ELL teacher from each school must be
released from teaching duty to attend one of the following sessions,
which will take place at the District Administration Building (360
Colborne).
Date/Time/;Room*
Tuesday,October 23 / 2:30-4:00 / Room E
Monday, October 29 2:30-4:00 / Room E
Tuesday, October 30 / 8:00-9:30 / Room E
*Room locations are at 360 Colborne
This
contact teacher will then be expected to train all other ELL teachers
in the school. This must take place before the November 9th Conference
Preparation Day.
Thank you for your support of the new ELP
reporting procedures and training. If you have any questions, please
feel free to contact Anh Tran (anh.tran@spps.org). Language Academy Cadre Meetings
To all Language Academy Teachers (GE and ELL). Save the dates for Language Academy Cadre meetings!
- November 27, 2007
- January 29, 2008
- March 4, 2008
- May 13, 2008
Join us to:
- meet colleagues from other Language Academy schools
- share instructional strategies for working with newcomers
- discuss current research about language acquisition and literacy
- enhance your understanding of collaboration
Register on PDExpress. Call Jane Dunlap (763-8307) or Amy Frederick (763-8363) if you have any questions.
 PLAN, ACT, Explore and ELL
In order to help students plan and prepare for the next
step in their education, Saint Paul Public Schools – for the first time
– will provide PLAN and PSAT exams at no cost to every Saint Paul
Public Schools student. These college preparation tests are for the
benefit of our students. PSAT tests were not ordered for ELL
level 1 and 2 students. However, all ELL students should be encouraged
to consider and plan for post secondary options. All other English
language learners will take the EXPLORE, PLAN and the PSAT when they
are ready. The EXPLORE and PLAN assessments are optional for ELL level
1 and 2 students. Saint Paul Public Schools wants all students
to graduate from high school and take the next step in their
educations. Nearly every career today requires some kind of education
after high school. A 2005 U.S. Census Bureau report showed that
students with a four-year college degree have nearly double the salary
of students with only a high school diploma. Another census report
calculated lifetime earnings with a four-year college degree is $1.1
million more than having only a high school diploma. This reinforces
that education remains the best way for young people to get ahead in
life. - The PSAT was provided for 11th graders at all high schools on Oct. 17
- The PLAN will be given to 10th graders at all high schools between October 22 and November 9.
- The EXPLORE will be given to 8th graders at all middle level schools between October 22 and November 9.
As
part of the district’s commitment to helping every student succeed,
every district high school will be a host site for the ACT at least
once during the school year. These tests are not requirements for
graduation or NCLB. Some colleges and universities require the ACT and
SAT for admission. In some cases, ELL students who do not have an
adequate score on the ACT, may take the Michigan English Language
Assessment Battery (MELAB). What are these tests? - PLAN,
10th grade – Sometimes called the “pre-ACT,” it tests English, math,
reading and science. Moreover, it contains a career and interest
inventory, a great tool that help students see if their academics are
on track with their career goals.
- ACT – One of
the two major college entrance exams, the other being the SAT. The ACT
is recognized primarily by Midwestern colleges and universities. Some
two-year colleges require an ACT or SAT score to enroll, along with
most four-year colleges and universities.
- The EXPLORE is ACT's
college readiness test for 8th and 9th graders. The EXPLORE program is
designed to help 8th and 9th graders explore a broad range of options
for their future. EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high
school coursework, but for their post–high school choices as well.
The
district will pay for one ACT college exam test for every student. The
ACT is given at various times throughout the year. Contact your high
school for times and information.
See the following links for additional testing information:
PLAN:
ACT
EXPLORE
University of Michigan Official Website for the MELAB test:
College Planning
Student Aid
Tips for adults to encourage education past high school As
employees, volunteers and parents who interact with children and young
adults every day, we have tremendous influence on the dreams and future
plans of Saint Paul Public Schools students. All of us can help
students reach their potential; here are some tips and thoughts to help
you make a difference: - Post-secondary education is required
for nearly every career; most employers expect job-seekers to have at
least a two-year degree. Please encourage all students to make plans
for post-high school education or training.
- It may help to
remind young people that those with higher education make more money.
According to a 2004 U.S. Census Bureau, workers 18 and older with a
high school diploma earned $27,915 a year. Those with a bachelor’s
degree earned $51,206 – that’s nearly double!
- As a positive
influence in students’ lives, we must expect that every child will go
on to some kind of education after high school. Students who do not
think they are “college material” may need more encouragement or help
seeking financial aid. We should also help them understand that there
are many options beyond the four-year, traditional college.
- Help
students understand the path to the career they want – for example, a
student who wants to work in music, TV or radio would need at least a
two-year degree to learn about recording, engineering and production.
- Numerous
options exist to help families afford post-secondary education. Once a
student has a plan to attend a post-secondary school, the high school
guidance office, and the post-secondary school can help identify
financial aid programs.
 Spotlight: Riverview West Side School of Excellence
Riverview WSSE offers a dual immersion program for English dominant, Spanish dominant and bilingual students. This program was established to provide students the opportunity to continue developing their native language as well as acquiring a second language. Using research based instructional practices developed in both the immersion and bilingual education fields both groups of students are first taught to read and write in Spanish in kindergarten and first grade. While students develop their literacy skills in Spanish the development and enrichment of oral language skills in English is also emphasized. English literacy is introduced in second grade. Also, beginning in second grade, subject matter such as math, science and social studies is alternately taught in both languages to help students develop academic vocabulary in both languages. Students who exit from sixth grade in the spring of 2010 will be bilingual, bi-literate demonstrating cross-cultural competency in mainstream and Latino cultures. Riverview ElementaryELL Pages
Understanding Somalia: An Interactive Workshop
Instructor: Dr. Cawo Abdi, Department of Sociology, University of Minnesota
This
workshop is intended for K-14 teachers to give them a better picture of
Somalia's recent history and current issues. The two-hour session will
include a brief lecture, further reading resources for teachers, and
tools for teaching about Somalia and Africa. There will be time for
teachers to ask questions and share curriculum and lesson plans.
Understanding Somalia will take place during the Somali Family Resource Conference (registration site),
hosted by Somali Family Services of Minnesota, and SFF encourages
teachers to attend the full day conference. The conference aims to
bring members of the Twin Cities communities together to promote
understanding and inter-cultural exchange in the Somali community.
Conference
Keynote Address (noon): "Sister Schools: Minnesota and Somalia" by
Mohamud Hamud of Puntland State University, Garowe, Somalia. For more
information about the Somali Family Resources Conference, please visit http://www.ussfs.org.
WORKSHOP DATE: Wednesday, October 24
TIME: 1PM - 3PM (Workshop Only); Somali Family Resource Conference 9AM - 4PM
LOCATION: Room L3000 Minneapolis Community and Technical College
COST: FREE - this workshop is funded by the Institute for Global Studies' Title VI grant and Somali Family Services of Minnesota
CREDIT: Teachers earn 2 CEUs. Academic credit not available.
REGISTER: http://igs.cla.umn.edu/outreach/registration.html
Free Workshops (and CEUs) for teachers interested in Global Issues
Below is a series of workshops, geared for K-16 teachers,
focusing on issues related to global studies. There is an opportunity
to earn $100 for creating curriculum related to the workshop themes. If
interested in this opportunity read on.
The workshops featured below include:
Workshop Series: Exploring National Identity in the European Union
This
four-part workshop series examines the dynamic role of nationalism and
national identity in the European Union. The series kicks off with
a
closer look at the institutional nature of the EU and its effect on
national identity, including a discussion that provides a framework for
teachers to explore their own understanding and teaching of
nationalism. Using this lens, the following three workshops will
investigate national representations in art such as literature,
theater, and visual arts, of specific European countries. The aim is
to allow teachers to delve into the cultural identities of each nation
and consider the role of the European Union in the shaping of national
identities and the perception of identity.
Workshop 1 has already taken place
Workshop 2: Identity and Multiculturalism in France
Trica Keaton, Department of American Studies, Njeri
Githire, African American and African Studies, and Pam Wesely,
Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota
Saturday, October 27, 2007 9:00 - 4:00 in room 710 Social Sciences Building, U of M
Workshop 3: Sweden: Immigration and Cultural Change
Lena Norrman, Department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch, University
of Minnesota
Erika Holmquist-Wall, Assistant Curator at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Saturday, November 10, 2007 9:00 - 4:00 at the American Swedish Institute
Workshop 4: Becoming an EU Member Nation
Saturday, December 8, 2007 9:00 - 4:00 in room 710 Social Sciences Building, U of M
Each workshop is $15. Fee includes lunch, CEUs, readings and materials.
Teachers have the opportunity to earn $100 for developing lesson plans
upon completion of the course.
To register, visit www.igs.cla.umn.edu/outreach.
Questions? Contact Molly McCoy at outreach@umn.edu or 612-624-7346
Grant Opportunity: Target Field Trip Grants
Target Field Trip Grants
are one part of the Target commitment to supporting education. This
innovative program provides educators with grants of up to $1,000 each
to fund a field trip for their students. Application deadline is
November 1.
MinneTESOL Professional Conference
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