Special Programs
Bilingual/ESL Updates
FOCUS ON TELPAS SPEAKING
Too, often, our student's performance on TELPAS is an afterthought, but TELPAS is both a part of the accountability system and a predictor of STAAR performance. What we have discovered in Center ISD is that the vast majority of our ELs who are not exiting the program are weakest in the Speaking domain. The links provided here will give you some strategies from The Teacher Toolkit that will get your ELs talking but are good for all students
" HOW DO I KNOW THEY HAVE IT?"
The links below provide you with TEA's four-point speaking rubric and the Speaking Scoring Guides by grade level clusters. The Scoring Guides are long, but I included them more so you could see some sample questions from the speaking test.
SENTENCE STEMS/STARTERS
Most students need Sentence Stems or Sentence Starters when moving into academic discussions. Providing them with the frame for their answer or even the appropriate way to ask for clarification ensures that they are properly engaging in academic discussions. Remember to ALWAYS REQUIRE THAT STUDENTS SPEAK USING COMPLETE SENTENCES when participating in academic discussions.
DON'T LET THEM "OPT OUT"
What to say instead of
" I DON"T KNOW"
* May I please have some more information?
* May I please have some time to think?
* Would you please repeat the questions?
* Where can I find more information about that?
* May I ask a friend for help?