February 26, 2009
DSBN Supports English Language Learners
On Friday, February 27, the District School Board of Niagara will explore new tools and research based strategies to support the education of English language learners (ELL) at the “Many Roots, Many Voices” ELL Symposium in Niagara Falls.
Maureen Alderdice, DSBN Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Consultant, says the goal of the conference is to “listen, learn and engage in active discussion about how to most effectively support the needs of English Language Learners in schools. It will allow educators to share best practices and create a network of resources and support to draw on in the future.”
Participants will include elementary and secondary school teachers, administrators and others who have an interest in fostering positive outcomes for students learning English. The symposium will cover a broad range of topics, including:
• Supporting ELLs in Elementary Mainstream Classrooms
• Immigration Trends in Niagara
• Supporting Newcomers: A Whole Family Approach
• Assessment and Evaluation for ELLs
In addition, educators will have the opportunity to meet with a panel of secondary school students to hear about their experiences, challenges and accomplishments as recent newcomers.
Dr. Jim Cummins will provide the event’s keynote address, entitled “Teaching English Language Learners: Challenges and Opportunities”. Dr. Cummins is a Canada Research Chair at the Ontario Institute for the Studies of Education (OISE).
Event Details:
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 8:30 a.m., Dr. Cummins keynote address is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Crowne Plaza, 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls