December 16, 2008 – 12:30pm to 2:00pm
WASHINGTON, DC—English language learners are behind their peers the moment they enter school. They must bridge the language gap while keeping pace with non-ELLs academically. Often, the traditional school schedule fails to provide enough opportunity for these students to catch up. Expanded learning time initiatives, schoolwide improvement strategies that lengthen the school day or year for all students, can provide ELLs with the invaluable time to develop English language skills and stay on track academically.
Join us for a discussion on the role that expanded learning time can play in bridging the language and wide academic achievement gap between ELLs and their peers. A new paper from the Center for American Progress, authored by Melissa Lazarin, will launch the discussion. Practitioners at the school- and state-level who have first-hand experience of working with schools with a significant ELL population under an expanded-day/year schedule will also offer their expertise and perspective.
Featured Panelists:
Nella Garcia, Manager, Teaching Excellence Program, YES Prep Schools
Melissa Lazarín, Associate Director of Education Policy, Center for American Progress
Sarah McLaughlin, Administrator, Office of Expanded Learning Time, Pilot and Readiness Schools, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Moderated by:
Cynthia G. Brown, Director of Education Policy, Center for American Progress
A light lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m.
Click here to RSVP for this event
Location
Center for American Progress 1333 H St. NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20005
Map & Directions
Nearest Metro: Blue/Orange Line to McPherson Square or Red Line to Metro Center