Across the country, teachers are being asked to adapt their curriculums and instructional strategies for students learning English as a new language. Secondary teachers, in particular, are faced with a difficult situation since their classes assume a high degree of prior knowledge in the subject area and proficiency in academic, subject-specific language. Furthermore, many of the techniques that elementary teachers use to increase comprehensibility seem childish to secondary teachers and students.

These comprehensive, inservice training materials are designed for middle and high school content teachers (teachers of math, science, social studies, and language arts) whose mainstream classes include ESOL students. The training shows teachers how to teach both content and related academic language to all students, including English language learners, using techniques such as graphic organizers, scaffold lessons, cooperative learning, alternative assessment, and multicultural activities. The training includes: Academic Competence (two sections), Language Learning, Culture (two sections), Literacy Development and Study Skills, and Assessment. Structured in-class and outside assignments support teachers in applying new skills to their specific situations. The materials were developed in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education and revised for national distribution.

The ready-to-use set of materials consists of a trainer’s manual (trainer's transcript and transparency masters), a participants'study guide (handouts and materials for participants), and a 34-minutevideo, Communicative Math and Science Teaching, which provides video observations of exemplary secondary content classrooms. The complete training requires 60 hours (54 in-class hours and 6 hours of structured, outside assignments). Additional study guides are available for use by inservice participants.

COMMUNICATIVE MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHING VIDEO

This 34-minute video helps teachers integrate language learning and academic mastery in math and science for culturally and linguistically diverse students. The program uses a documentary approach in middle and high schools in the Washington, DC, New York City, and San Francisco areas. In the classroom scenes, teachers demonstrate effective classroom styles and philosophies and their students are seen speaking out, writing, solving problems, working cooperatively, and learning with enthusiasm and excitement. The classrooms shown illustrate spirited communication, peer tutoring, cooperative learning, problem-solving, and positive uses of competition and games, while learning and using math and science language. The program's commentary is based on interviews with teachers, students, school administrators, and experts in the field.