The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) hosted its second annual English Learner Summer Symposium on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 at the Galludet University Kellogg Conference Center. This symposium focused on sharing and exchanging best practices for teaching and supporting English learners (ELs). Designed for educators and community-based organizations, the focus was on:

• Eradicating language barriers and preparing students for college and career success through effective program services;
• Providing socio-emotional support to students, with emphasis on immigrant and unaccompanied youth;
• Strengthening parent, family, and community partnerships and resources; and
• Building cultural sensitivity and awareness in classrooms, out-of-school time programs, and beyond.

This one-day event allowed educators and community-based organizations, who work with ELs and immigrant youth, to share promising practices, celebrate successes, exchange resources, and learn. School-based staff earned professional learning units (PLUs) for attending the full-day event.

Please view the presenters' PowerPoint presentations:

• Helping English Language Learners in Grades 4 -12 Meet Standards for Reading: Enhancing Background and Acquiring Vocabulary
• Engaging Youth of Color
• Creating and Celebrating Diversity in ECE Classrooms
• Engaging Families of English Language Learners
• Every Student Succeeds Act-The Big Picture for ELs
• ESSA and Civil Rights for English Learners
• Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services: Supporting Unaccompanied Children in U.S. Schools
• Uncovering the Heterogeneity of the English Learner Population in Our Classrooms
• Language Access in Schools: Requirements and Resources
• Simultaneous Education: What is it? How does it Impact Student Achievement?
• Trauma and Resilience: Building Strength in Children
• Helping English Language Learners in Grades 4-12 Meet Standards for Reading and Writing
• Special Education or Second Language Acquisition: Considerations for Differentiating the Two
• Innovative Instructional Programs for ELLs
• Transforming Families: Making Connections Through Intergenerational Multimedia Arts Expression
• Building a Strong Partnership With the Federal Government
• Student Multiethnic Action Research Team’s Platform for ELL Student Success