¡SUBE!
Success Using Bilingual Education!

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Effective Approaches for English Language Learners
Bilingual education teaches English to children and gives them a chance to use it, and at the same time they are taught core subjects like math and science. Volumes of research confirm that effective bilingual education deepens comprehension for English language learners and proficiency in English. It also results in above average or exemplary student performance on state-mandated exams.

To maximize instruction and student learning, instructional and administrative staff must be prepared to address:

• Increasing expectations
• Mandatory accountability
• Individual student needs

Teachers must have access to the best research-based practices to increase their understanding and implementation of effective bilingual strategies that adapt to the unique characteristics and needs of a diverse population. At the same time, it is important to engage parents as meaningful partners in the learning process at all levels. When applied effectively, these practices can help prepare students for successful transitions throughout education from pre-school to college enrollment, and into the world of work and civic engagement.

To make this success a reality, IDRA presents comprehensive, in-depth learning opportunities in the area of bilingual education for instructors that build upon the strengths and knowledge that teachers possess while developing new, scientifically-based research strategies for English language learner success. CPE credit is available.

Benefits and Outcomes

• Strengthen the belief that all children can learn and become proficient in English using their native language and can increase their achievement in state-mandated exams
• Use data for planning instruction
• Value students’ experiences as a basis for strengthening their language and content area acquisition and academic performance
• Maximize effective teaching strategies for learning and supporting peer collegiality among bilingual teachers who are experiencing success
• Move toward rigor in all content areas for successful transitions by exploring new ways of teaching that maximize language development

IDRA Support
IDRA supports all phases of effective bilingual education, from planning through implementation, community engagement and sustainability for student success through training of mentors and coaches. IDRA professional development support combines state-of-the art technology, hands-on and face-to-face training that helps teachers and districts comply with federal, state and local requirements. The training uses a variety of ways to work with school staff, including workshops, video conferences, classroom demonstrations, on-site observations and problem solving, online discussions and reflections. Participants are supported with research based information and best practice that works.

• Aligning bilingual strategies to meet state and federal requirements in content areas
• Addressing the affective, linguistic and cognitive needs of students
• Ongoing planning, structuring and assessment of effective bilingual programs
• Meaningful engagement with parents for student success

• Helping Teachers Understand and Apply Research Based Bilingual Best Practices
• Assessing Language and Academic Proficiency for Effective Classroom Planning
• Effective Bilingual Instruction for Proficiency and Academic Success in Spanish and English
• Engaging Parents and Families as Meaningful Partners in the Bilingual Learning Process
• Balancing Content Areas and Timely Transitions: Planning for Effective Bilingual Programs
• Integrating Technology to Maximize Bilingual Learning

An example of a model plan that IDRA could use with your district is in the box below.

Why Is IDRA Unique?
The Intercultural Development Research Association is an independent, private non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening public schools to work for all children.

We are committed to the IDRA valuing philosophy, respecting the knowledge and skills of the individuals we work with and build on the strengths of the students and parents in their schools.

IDRA’s professional staff members…
The Intercultural Development Research Association is an independent, private non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening public schools to work for all children.We are committed to the IDRA valuing philosophy, respecting the knowledge and skills of the individuals we work with and build on the strengths of the students and parents in their schools.

• Are fluent and literate in English and Spanish.
• Have many years of classroom, administrative, research and community engagement experience.
• Have graduate degrees – master’s and doctorates – from respected universities.

¡SUBE! Will Address Your Specific Needs
Cross-cutting themes that are incorporated into each session include: