English Learners, Multi-level Systems of Support Strategies, and Special Education

Description: The Multi-level System of Support (MLSS)  is a systematic approach to recognizing the needs of all learning in the classroom and school environment. Although MLSS is intended for all learners, addressing the needs of students acquiring English as an additional language, known as English learners (ELs), presents some unique challenges. These challenges may result in either an over or under identification of ELs in Special Education.
 
This chunked 4-part interactive workshop is designed for K-12 educators to address some of the challenges in supporting ELs within MLSS.  Participants will respond to essential questions:

• How can educators more effectively discern among characteristics of second language acquisition, learning difficulties, and cultural differences and influences?
• How can educators implement the steps within the MLSS framework through a multilingual assets-based lens?
• What practices and interventions make sense for multilingual students who may need extra support?
• What are the processes for appropriately recognizing, monitoring and documenting  EL student progress?
• How can educators ensure that ELs who are appropriately identified as needing special education services also secure the language support they need?  
• How do educators constructively and equitably engage with all stakeholders (i.e. students, parents, psychologists, language specialists, special educators, instructional leaders/coaches).
• How do educators constructively and equitably engage with all stakeholders (i.e. students, parents, psychologists, language specialists, special educators, instructional leaders/coaches).

Participants will have opportunities to review case studies and consider possible areas for observation, data collection, assessment, and interventions.

This workshop combines synchronous/asynchronous learning. Between January 19 and February 16, participants should complete three hours of self-paced content made available in CESA 2’s online learning platform to apply learning from the synchronous sessions.

Cost:

Immigrant Grant Membership: $40 per person

CESA 2 Title III Consortium Membership: $80 per person

Non-members: $200 per person
 

Included in the price of the series are reading materials and activities for asynchronous learning.

About the Facilitator: Audrey Lesondak joins CESA 2 as a consultant in the Language and Culture Center of Excellence after serving eight years as a consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). There, she implemented programs to support English Learners/Multilingual Learners including the ESEA Title III-A grant, the ACCESS for ELLs English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment, Immigrant Children and Youth Discretionary Grant, Seal of Biliteracy, and the Bilingual Bicultural Grant. Audrey has been engaged in cross-cultural work and experiences for more than 20 years. Growing up in Chicago, traveling, and working within the fields of education, and in the arenas of teaching English to speakers of other languages, affordable housing, and community development, she has engaged in teaching and learning (a lifelong process) through multicultural, cultural awareness, and culturally-responsive approaches.

Cancellation Policy: Registered participants will receive a refund if they cancel prior to 3 working days before an event, minus any material costs that have already been incurred. Cancellations must either be made on MyQuickReg or by emailing cancel@cesa2.org. Because of our commitment to the presenter and the food vendor, participants who cancel less than 3 working days prior to the event or who do not attend the event, will be billed the full fee. CESA 2 reserves the right to cancel any event. Registered participants will be notified via phone and email if a cancellation occurs and will receive a full refund. 

Inclement Weather Policy: Every effort will be made to hold an event. CESA 2 will notify participants via email as soon as possible if an event has been cancelled due to weather conditions.

Disclaimer: CESA 2 will do its best to accommodate general dietary requests; if your dietary need is very specific or severe, you may want to bring your own lunch to ensure your comfort and health. CESA 2 does not assume liability for adverse reactions to food consumed or items one may come into contact with while eating at a CESA 2 event. If you have a dietary need or food allergy, please go into your MyQuickReg profile and update the special accommodations section. Notice of a special dietary need must be made 2 weeks in advance of the event.

By registering for an event with CESA 2, participants agree to grant to CESA 2 and its authorized representatives permission to record digital photos and/or video, of their participation. Participants further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote CESA 2, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation. If you do not wish to have your photo or image used, please contact us at info@cesa2.org.

In-Person Events: Restrictions on our in-person events due to COVID-19 have been lifted. We will be responsive to what's happening within our communities, and guidelines from the CDC and local health agencies for future offerings and will update guidelines when necessary.