Massachusetts Category Trainings: Building Knowledge and Skills for Content Area Teachers of English Language Learners

Training Description

The Category trainings are designed to address the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's designated "categories" of knowledge and skills teachers need to deliver effective instruction in Structured English Immersion (SEI) classrooms, the state’s educational model for English language learners. NEEAC offers training in Categories I, II, and IV. Category III training in assessment may be offered only by trained school district representatives.

Category I: Second Language Learning and Teaching

The objectives of Category I training are that teachers will know the key factors affecting second language acquisition and understand the implications of these factors on classroom instruction. Teachers will also understand the implications of cultural difference for classroom instruction. Teachers will understand the performance levels in the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes. Teachers will be able to analyze their own classrooms as sites for second language acquisition and to modify instruction effectively for students who are in the process of learning English.

Category II: Sheltering Content Instruction

The objectives of Category II training are that teachers will know how to plan lessons appropriate for LEP students at the four levels of proficiency described in the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes. These lessons will be guided by both content and language objectives aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and will embody the principles of sheltered instruction, differentiating for students at multiple language proficiency levels within the classroom.

Category IV: Teaching Reading and Writing to Limited English Proficient Students

The objectives of Category IV training are that teachers will understand the process of literacy development in a new language and will learn a number of strategies for text comprehension, including cross-cultural considerations, text structure exploration, discourse and syntax knowledge, writing-to-learn practice, and vocabulary building. Teachers will be able to plan and deliver content-area instruction appropriate for limited English proficient students who are at different levels of English language reading and writing proficiency. This training is offered in two distinct series – one designed specifically for teachers of elementary students, and one for teachers of secondary students.

Identification of Staff for Training

The Massachusetts Category trainings are intended for licensed Massachusetts content-area teachers who have English language learners in their classrooms. Participants may be identified by their districts/schools or may volunteer for these trainings. Participants do not need to take the Category trainings in sequence, but it is strongly recommended that participants develop a fundamental knowledge of second language acquisition and the importance of culture in learning (Category I) prior to training in the other Categories. These trainings are appropriate for content-area teachers, special education teachers, counselors, and school and district administrators.

Format

Category I: 2 full, non-consecutive days, preferably with an interim of 1–3 weeks between sessions

Category II: 4 full days

Category IV — secondary: 3 full, non-consecutive days, preferably with an interim of 1–3 weeks between sessions

Category IV — elementary: 4 full, non-consecutive days, preferably with an interim of 1–3 weeks between sessions