MACC and ARCC co-hosted a regional Institute, Addressing English Language Learner Needs Through a Statewide System of Support in Nashville, TN, January 29-30, 2008, to foster the conceptual understanding of the importance of coordinating Title III with State Education Agencys' overall Statewide Systems of Support.
It is the collective belief of MACC and ARCC that collaboration is an essential component of the coherent SSOS. Accordingly, the Institute was designed to precede the National Title I Conference so that Title I directors could attend and join in the discussion with Title III directors as well as other State Education Agency representatives.
Sam Redding, Director, Center on Innovation and Improvement (CII), opened the Institute with a framework on Strengthening a Statewide System of Support. He challenged the Title I and III directors to consider what a cohesive SSOS looks like, what support systems need to be in place, and how to ensure the needs of all, including ELLs, are addressed in larger systems.
In addition, U.S. Department of Education representatives, Zollie Stevenson, Jr., Acting Director Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs, and Margarita Pinkos, Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director, Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students, addressed how Title I and Title III staff can work with school improvement staff to improve both system and local capacity to address the needs of ELLs.
Edynn Sato, Director of Research and ELL Assessment in the Assessment and Standards Development Services program, and Director of Special Populations for the Assessment and Accountability Comprehensive Center, WestEd presented a Framework for High-Quality English Language Proficiency Standards and Assessments. Charlene Rivera, Director MACC at GW-CEEE and Lynn Shafer Willner, ELL Specialist/Manager of Online Technical Assistance, MACC at GW-CEEE presented a Descriptive Analysis of State 2006-2007 Accommodation Policies for ELLs.
For more information about the Institute contact Tracy Runfola, MACC Regional Coordinator 703.528.3588 trunfola@ceee.gwu.edu.