Baltimore, Maryland: November 1, 2006
Science and English Language Learners (ELL)
Research, Practical Approaches, and Policy Directions for Classroom Teachers, School and District-Level Administrators, and University Teacher Educators
A Daylong Conference Offering NSF-funded Program Findings and Related Research and Best Practice in the Area of Science and ELLs
In November 2004 and March 2005, NSTA presented two successful conferences titled Linking Science and Literacy in the Classroom, convened in order to disseminate findings from NSF-funded research-based programs to an audience of K–8 teachers, administrators, and other practitioners. Following on the success of the Science and Literacy conferences, NSTA subsequently conducted two NSF-funded conferences in November 2005 and April 2006 on assessment, titled Science Assessment: Research and Practical Approaches.
Feedback from our external evaluation from these NSF-funded conferences referred to the need for a conference on Science and English Language Learners (ELL). We at NSTA believe that a conference focusing on ELL is a necessary next step in the movement to solidify connections between science and literacy for all students and is of the utmost importance as our nation continues to become more diverse.
Through the ELL conference, NSTA will provide critical information, guidance, and leadership to broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in science. The conference will provide a venue to convene an impressive, diverse roster of cross-disciplinary and organizational professionals whose specific and collective expertise promise to provide new insights and inroads in the area of science and ELL. The overall objective of the daylong event is to allow teachers, as well as administrators at school and district levels and professional development providers, to learn about the implications of NSF-funded and other current research for classroom practice and professional development.
The Conference Program
Format. The conference format includes four interactive plenary sessions that address major issues of general interest and feature national experts on science education linked to culture and language research broadly and English language learners (or ELLs) specifically. The plenary sessions highlight the research findings from projects in NSF’s portfolio that have developed programs, curricular materials, lesson planning protocols, and professional development models in the area of teaching science to ELLs.
Presenters. Presenters are drawn from the fields of science education and culture and language research (second language acquisition, linguistics, home and community culture), instructional materials design, school administration, and teacher professional development. Presentations are relevant to the interests and needs of the practitioner audience. The list of highly regarded scholars who are scheduled to make presentations at the conference are Eugene Garcia at Arizona State University; Okhee Lee at the University of Miami in Florida; Ann Rosebery at TERC in Cambridge; Michael Klentschy, superintendent of the El Centro Elementary School District in California; Ann Fathman at Notre Dame De Namur in California; David Crowther at the University of Nevada in Reno; Joaquin Vнla at Salisbury University in Maryland; and Debra Maatta at the Office of Bilingual Education, District of Columbia Public Schools.
Registration
You must register for the NSTA Baltimore Area Conference on Science Education to participate in the Science and English Language Learners (ELL) conference.
Registration Fees
The cost of the ELL conference will be at an NSF-subsidized rate of $195, after participants have registered for the Baltimore area conference at the applicable rate. The fee includes a snack and a box dinner and a forthcoming NSTA Press book generated by the information presented at the ELL conference. The book will be sent to participants when it is published in 2008.
How to Register
Participation in the Science and English Language Learners (ELL) conference is by advance registration only, and group size is limited. Purchase tickets for the ELL conference when you register for the Baltimore conference online or using the Baltimore Advance Registration Form available by download below. You MUST provide your e-mail address when registering for the ELL conference. The registration deadline is October 27, 2006.