January 2015

 

Table of Contents

  1. MATSOL News
  2. Community News
  3. Links & Resources
 
Submission Welcome
Submit an item for publication in the monthly MATSOL E-Bulletin. Details... 
 

Registration is Open!

SLIFE Institute
Culturally Responsive Teaching in Massachusetts: Adolescent and Adult English Language Learners with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)
Andrea DeCapua, Ed.D. & Helaine W. Marshall, Ph.D. 

Through the lens of culturally responsive teaching, we will examine the world of Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) and develop the knowledge and skills essential to successful instruction for this at-risk population. The institute provides a theoretical framework, instructional guidelines, classroom activities, and assessment rubrics. Using the presenter’s original materials, you will create dynamic, customized projects for your students. Information & Registration...


MATSOL 2015 Conference
Early registration rates end February 15! Information & Registration...

Keynote Speakers
Raúl Gonzalez III, Artist & Illustrator
The Book I Wanted to Read as a Kid

Ofelia García, City University of New York
Translanguaging: Reconceptualizing Language and Education

Pre-Conference Institutes 
Teachers of ELLs as Learning Specialists
Ken Pransky, Collaborative for Educational Services

From Awareness to Best Practice: Tiered Instruction, Intervention, and the Special Education Referral Process for ELLs
Claudia Rinaldi, Lasell College


MATSOL 2015 Awards
Nominations & Proposals due March 2, 2015. More information...

Nominate a colleague:
  • MATSOL Teacher of the Year: Recognizing excellence in the education of English language learners.
  • Anne Dow Award for Excellence & Creativity: For fostering a professional, supportive collegial environment for educators of English language learners in today’s challenging environment.
Submit a proposal:
  • Linda Schulman Innovation Grant: Grants for $500 to $1,000 for a pedagogical project to benefit English language learners.

MATSOL News

Jan 12: MATSOL Low-Incidence SIG Meeting
More information...

Join a MASTOL E-List
Connect with your colleagues online about issues of common interest. 
E-Lists are open to all current MATSOL members. Join a MATSOL E-List -- See instructions and a video tutorial!


Community News

Citizenship, Voter Registration, and Administrative Relief
See the MA Immigrant and Refugee (MIRA) Coalition calendar for information sessions on Administrative Relief, citizenship clinics, and voter registration drives in Massachusetts. View calendar...

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed
Exhibit at the Museum of Science. The ruined cities of the ancient Maya have captured our imaginations since news of their discovery in the jungles of Central America in the mid-19th century. Research has revealed a culture with a sophisticated worldview that, during its Classic period (250 – 900 AD), rivaled any European civilization. The Maya built elaborate cities without modern machinery or use of the wheel, communicated using one of the world's first written languages, measured time using complicated calendar systems, and had an advanced understanding of astronomy and agriculture. Experience a cross-section of Maya life, from divine kings to the artisans and laborers who formed the backbone of their society. And learn how the Maya people and their culture endure to this day. Presented in English and Spanish. More...


Links & Resources

NEWSLETTER
TESOL Connections
MATSOL members receive free access to TESOL Connections, TESOL's monthly online newsletter.  The latest issue includes articles Introducing Sherry Blok: 2015 TESOL Teacher of the Year, 10 New Year's Resolutions For Every English Language Teacher, and 5 Unorthodox Techniques for Motivating LearnersRead the latest issue..

REPORT
Degrees of Urgency: Why Massachusetts Needs More College Graduates Now
The third Vision Project annual report. At a time of rising demand for skilled college graduates in the Commonwealth, Degrees of Urgency shows progress being made to raise graduation rates and close achievement gaps among public college and university students in Massachusetts, but also projects a shortage of skilled graduates needed to meet the needs of employers in key industry sectors that fuel economic growth, based on an expected drop in the state’s high school population in the coming years. (Released October 28, 2014). Mass Department of Higher Education. View report...

REPORT
Issue Brief: Advancing Comprehensive Reform: Rethinking District Use of Title I Resources
This report highlights research into district-level responses to Massachusetts' waiver from the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). The new flexibilities granted in resource allocation provided local policymakers with the opportunity to implement comprehensive approaches to support low-income students and turn around underperforming schools. Rennie Center. View report...

RESOURCE
2014 "Best of" Children's Book Lists

RESOURCE
WIDA Focus on Technology in the Classroom
Today, a plethora of educational tech tools exists. It can be overwhelming to determine which may be productive to include in a classroom, which could help ELLs achieve their language goals as well as it can be a bit intimidating to know where to start. In this bulletin, we explore the use of tech tools in the classroom with ELL students and offer a tool to help educators evaluate tech tools for learning and academic language. Also included are excepts from an interview with gaming scholar, Constance Steinkuehler, lessons learned from using technology in the classroom, and suggested steps for getting started or digging deeper. Download...

View past issues of the MATSOL E-Bulletin online!

 

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