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Goal

As the population in Walton County and North Walton County continues to grow, the percentage of English Language Learners is also increasing. These English Language Learners are at various levels of English development, as determined by both their STAR and WIDA scores. While these students are often enrolled in an Intensive Reading Class in order to support the foundational skills needed for English Language mastery, they are also reading and writing about Grade Level texts. Having access to these texts in their home language will decrease some of the cognitive load created by translating the words, allowing space and grace to think critically about the meaning of the texts. Consistent exposure to written English and practice reading both independently and aloud will increase both their fluency and comprehension and reduce the amount of time it takes them to read passages and questions. While English is not their first language, proficiency is a requirement for graduation. Regular engagement with high interest, accessible texts will support their English language development and provide a foundation for success after high school. 

What will be done with my students

This two tiered approach to ELA instruction for ELL students supports the new B.E.S.T. standards, which tasks students with mastery of Greek and Latin root words. By providing home language translations for grade level ELA content, ELL students will receive targeted instruction in phonemes, morphemes, and etymology.
The B.E.S.T. Standards also recognize that ELA is not a "discrete" set of skills, but a discipline who's reach impacts the daily lives of students. The Literacy in All Languages project will:
Increase student engagement in core ELA classrooms, leading to higher grades and student confidence.
Increased STAR scores because reading fundamentals are taught by reading specialists.
The creation of lifelong readers through engaging, accessible content.
Once the funding is received, books will be ordered, and incorporated into daily classroom instruction in WHS ELA classrooms for the 2022-23 School Year. The books requested have been taught in the past 4 years and have received School Board approval
Things Fall Apart
In Cold Blood
Into The Wild
The Crucible
 

Benefits to my students

Organically, we are defining success by increased student engagement. ELL students in a traditional, on grade level ELA classroom are challenged to read, comprehend, and analyze text in their non-native language. Many students disengage from class discussion, fail to turn in the assignments, and struggle to write multi-paragraph essays. By providing the text in their home language, the students will have increased opportunity to engage with the content without the extra burden of language. I would expect to see an increase in core ELA grades as students turn in work regularly and receive feedback from teachers.
Quantitatively, we would expect to see growth based on increased STAR scores. Most ELL students are also enrolled in an Intensive Reading Class specifically designed to support second language learners. These classes are taught by reading and ESOL endorsed or certified teachers. Currently, much of the class time is spent providing individualized instruction and support in content level areas. If students were able to engage consistently in their ELA classroom. the time in Intensive Reading could be used to teacher reading fundamentals, based on the Scarborough's "reading rope" and other data and science based protocols. Students with phonological and morphological awareness of will have a solid foundation to build their literacy and fluency skills. These skills will translate into higher and more sustainable learning gains as evidence by STAR reading scores.

Walton High School's English Language Learner Population is growing, and we are anticipating doubling the ELL student population in the 2022-23 school year. These students face and overcome so many outside challenges, including increased employment rates, caring for siblings, family in other countries and language barriers, that the classroom should be a safe, encouraging space for them to learn. By providing supplemental texts in their home language, we are leveling the playing field for student engagement and critical thinking.
 

Budget Narrative

Literacy in All Languages is requesting $1000 for the purchase of a set of Spanish translated novels currently or recently taught by Walton High School. A class set is defined as 10 novels. This is accounting for growth in the ELL population over the next 2 years.
Things Fall Apart
In Cold Blood
The Crucible
Into The Wild
These prices are based on an internet search of Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, and Thrift Books. The prices reflect the most inexpensive Spanish translation books.

 

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