Resources & Other Services
Aiming High Resource Briefs
Aiming High is a Sonoma County initiative to close the achievement gap for English learners. Published from 2005 to 2010, the Briefs were a series of publications developed by the EL Services staff to highlight strategies for improving instruction for English learners and provide resources for implementation and further study. Past issues focused on monitoring language proficiency, parent communication, stalled English learners, language objectives, and structures for ELD instruction. An archive of the publications developed since 2005 are available online.
Best Practice Support
EL Services supports the implementation of best practices for English learner instruction. For example, the department assists schools and districts in using graphic organizers across content areas and grade levels. In addition, the English Learner Professional Development (ELPD) modules provide a comprehensive course of best practices for teachers and administrators. Individual modules can be provided as three-hour study sessions or workshops. School administrators may choose specific focus topics, such as academic vocabulary or reading comprehension for English learners.
Consultation
Districts and school sites can access EL Services staff for tailored staff development and coaching regarding program, curriculum, instruction, and student achievement. Initial support is provided as a free service; extended time and resources are fee-based.
Online Learning Resources
Video clips, sample lessons, and instructional tools can provide guidance for improving teaching and learning for English learners. Online Learning resources are a new component of EL Services’ work that is evolving to meet the needs of the local education community.
Resource Collections & Online Lessons
SCOE has developed several collections of Web resources to support teachers and administrators as they work to improve English learner achievement.
- Electronic Tools for CELDT Analysis
This resource page was developed to help districts access and analyze the electronic data from the annual CELDT administration. It includes a video showing how the CELDT data can be analyzed using Microsoft Excel, resource files and guides, and related links. - Improving English Language Development
This resource page shares information about the state's goals and expectations for English learners and highlights the work of Sonoma County teachers who are delivering instruction to build the language skills of their students. - Web Resources for EL Para-Educators
This collection of resources was shared at the 2010 Para-Educator Institute, an annual training designed to better prepare para-educators to work with English learners in kindergarten through grade 12.
Contact
- Patty Dineen, Regional Director, English Learner Services
(707) 522-3151, - Susana Lowery, Program Director, English Learners & Reading-Language Arts
(707) 522-3039, - Imelda Padilla, Program Technician I
(707) 522-3151,