The Impact of ELD

Instruction during
Isolation
Yvonne Epps

April 20, 2020

 Objectives and Standards

● Provide ELD teachers a framework on how to approach struggling students in

isolation
● Begin discussion about Interdisciplinary ELD Instruction
CSTP.2.4. Create a rigorous learning environment with high expectations and appropriate support for all students.

CSTP 5.3. Review Data, both individually and with colleagues, to monitor student learning.

NBPTS Domain 7b. Works with colleagues to identify and use research to advocate for teaching and learning processes that meet the needs of all
students.

TLMS 5. Teachers appreciate how knowledge in their subjects is created, organized, and linked to other disciplines.
Do Now!

Assign the following roles to complete this group activity.

● Time Keeper
● Note Taker/Writer
● Fact Checker/Researcher
● Discussion Leader

Answer the following prompt: Joe Exotic from the Netflix show “Tiger King”
accused Carol Baskin of killing her ex husband. Write 1 paragraph arguing if she
is innocent or guilty.

Give yourself 5 minutes.

Background

Original Plan: Implement Interdisciplinary ELD Instruction,

collaborating with the Science and Math department

Objective: Deliver engaging lessons about problem solving

about CSI

Measurement: Problem solving skills and language.

 Interdisciplinary Instruction
Benefits
● Yopp, H. K., Spycher, P., & Brynelson, N. (2016). California's vision of ELA/ELD instruction. The California Reader, 49(3), 8-20.
○ Interdisciplinary instruction is integrated in our current ELD Framework. Disciplinary literacy
helps boost literacy in other content areas.
● Maier, M., Manduca, C., McGoldrick, K., Simkins, S. (2009). Starting Point: Pedagogical Resources for Teaching and Learning Economics.
https://serc.carleton.edu/econ/interdisciplinary/why.html.
○ Interdisciplinary instruction allows students are able to recognize bias, think more critically, and
challenge preconceived notions in a ubiquitous way.
● McMahon, C. (2013). Interdisciplinary Approach for ELLs. The Educator’s Room. https://theeducatorsroom.com/interdisciplinary-approach-for-ells/.
○ Interdisciplinary approach would help activate background knowledge to facilitate language
development. By using this multiple discipline background knowledge, students can find other
ways of expression.
Let’s pause to discuss!

● What interdisciplinary instruction experiences have you

had in the past?
● What content areas do you wish to collaborate with?
Collaborating and planning was on track until...

COVID-19 strikes!

The plan changed. Collaboration with the science teacher was

still possible, so developed CSI lessons on language and
toxicology and started transition to distance learning.

The goal was still measuring problem solving and language,

but that soon changed.
 Using Google Classroom
Hosted ELD Lessons as
Assignments

Gave students a chance to

do the assignments at their
own pace

New students can see all

assignments that have been
assigned up to that point
 Using Google Hangouts
Homeroom ELD appointments

One-on-One appointments or
breakout rooms scheduled for
support
Do Now!

Answer the following prompt independently. You cannot chat

with another person or verbally discuss the topic. Joe Exotic
from the Netflix show “Tiger King” accused Carol Baskin of
killing her ex husband. Write 1 paragraph arguing if she is
innocent or guilty.

Give yourself 5 minutes.

Distance Learning Results

● Low engagement and completion rate

● Activities completed were rarely completed
independently or as front loading
● Many activities needed to completed orally and I
recorded the scores
● Completion took longer than before isolation
● Activities completed showed curiosity and the start of
evidence based thinking.
Discussion Time!

● Why are students reacting in this way?

● Is this a trend with our community or nationwide?
● Are these issues that we were experiencing at a smaller
scale before COVID-19? What were the signs?
 Why?

● The Lethality of Loneliness: 5:35-11:31

○ The brain responds to loneliness as an adverse signal, yet is a stigmatized topic that has been on
the rise silently in our culture. Loneliness puts our brains into self preservation mode.
● London, R, & Ingram, D. (2018). Social Isolation in Middle School. School Community Journal, 28(1), 107-28.
○ Students with low connectedness and sense of belonging are at risk for low attendance, less
motivation, less engagement, less participating, and less satisfaction
For those who engaged...

I decided to use ELD instruction as a SEL program until the

end of the school year.

What changed

● I graded on completion and engagement

● We adjusted the pace to what the student was
comfortable working on during that hour period
● Frequent breaks and interest talking
For those who engaged...

● What improved?
● More consistency and rising motivation with students!
● Growth in self advocacy
○ Student 1: Practicing more realistic pacing with independence study
work and exploring how their disability impacts their learning
○ Student 2: Student is finding they are able to do more than they
were previously able to despite their disability since they can take
their time
○ Student 3: Despite having anxiety, has shown growth in advocating
in themself and trying unfamiliar tasks independently!
 Giving loneliness language

Distance learning is challenging, so how can we show up for our students?

● Use technology to provide social opportunities! (Google Classroom, Google

Hangouts, Flipgrid)
● Work with your students schedule (and advocate for your own time).
Students responding from 10AM-6PM? Ask for a schedule change with
leadership.
● You can teach a lesson (or read something they’re interested in together!)
over the phone.
● Work with your center to do a center wide social with games. By working on
the social and emotional needs, we are able to boot the academic buy in.
Culminating Question

What is one thing you can incorporate into your ELD

instruction or lesson planning now to help alleviate
loneliness?
Before you leave!

Fill out this survey!

https://tinyurl.com/FOTIP

Stay healthy and safe!