English Language Learners Work Group

The English Language Learners Work Group will convene to develop the next set of state policy recommendations to support young children, families and professionals. The Work Group will be comprised of researchers, community leaders, experts, parents, business leaders and others interested in improving the early education system for children ages birth to five with disabilities and special needs. The Work Group will begin its work at a kick-off meeting in January 2012.

A sampling of issues the Work Group will address include:

• Factors impacting the school readiness of English Language Learners;
• Availability of high quality child care options for this population;
• Best practices for meeting the needs (social, emotional, educational, etc.) of children who are English Language Learners;
• Professional development practices and the creation of learning standards for early education professionals working with this population;
• Lack of resources to fund proven, research-based initiatives;
• Best practices for assessing students needs and student learning;
• Resources needed to ensure children are proficient in English and in their native language;
• Acculturation as opposed to assimilation practices to maintain native culture;
• Strategies for parental engagement;
• Best practices for transition from birth-five settings to K-12 systems;
• Physical and mental health needs of this population; and
• Role of the community in supporting child, family and professional success.

The English Language Learners Work Group is sponsored by National Educational Systems .

If you are interested in serving as a member of the Work Group or in providing information and feedback as a Work Group resource expert, please contact Kara Johnson at kjohnson@tecec.org or 512-476-7939.

Please check this site frequently for updates on the Work Group's activities.

Posted 11/1/11.