Professional Development Services
Today’s educational climate is dominated by superficial fads and trendy slogans that often fail our most vulnerable learners. Principia Learning’s approach to professional development is different in that it supports educators with developing a pedagogy rooted in solid foundational principles of language acquisition and learning that may be enacted across various educational contexts. Whether you’re a K-12 ELA curriculum coordinator, bilingual program director, classroom teacher, or parent who homeschools your children, Principia Learning is committed to supporting you in a range of areas including program creation, curriculum development, lesson planning, instructional strategies, and more. Sessions are usually delivered through a combination of collaborative workshops and differentiated embedded coaching. See below for specific professional development opportunities.
Content & Academic Language Development
Science of Reading: Implications for Multilingual Learners
Principles and Practices for Supporting Multilingual Learners
Programmatic Support (Dual Language)
Programmatic Support (TESOL)
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Content & Academic Language Development
In order to maximize learning, educators should hold a broad and extensive understanding of language and the specific language demands of their respective content areas (e.g., the language features of history, math, science, and language arts). This professional learning package introduces participants to a practical framework for teaching academic language grounded in principles from the fields of educational psychology and functional linguistics. Participants will: 1) develop a sound understanding of how language and content knowledge are intertwined; 2) learn a practical framework for designing instruction that maximizes academic language development; 3) learn instructional strategies and scaffolds to foster content and language learning; 4) learn how to develop learners’ writing abilities through an explicit and systematic instructional approach.
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Science of Reading: Implications for Multilingual Learners
The body of vast, interdisciplinary body of research known as Science of Reading (SoR) has gained immense popularity within educational circles in recent years. Although scientists know a great deal about the cognitive processes underlying skilled reading, problems often arise when research in reading science is translated to educators for use in the classroom. Misconceptions and half-truths related to SoR pervade literacy departments and schools across the country (Seidenberg et al., 2020). Unfortunately, this problem often results in sub-par early reading instruction for many children across the U.S. and beyond. Furthermore, there is general lack of awareness regarding how SoR applies to Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and other culturally and linguistically diverse learners (Burns, 2021). In this professional development package, participants will learn how to translate the science behind reading into effective instructional practices that will promote reading and writing development for ALL learners.
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Principles and Practices for Supporting Multilingual Learners
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, over 10% of K-12 students in the U.S. are classified as English Language Learners (ELLs). More than ever before, educators are responsible for supporting these students as they learn both content and the English language. This professional development package examines the evidence-informed principles and practices from the field of second language acquisition that have been shown to foster positive learning outcomes in students who possess varying degrees of English language proficiency. Participants explore practical tools and strategies to foster growth across all 4 language domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), as well as discuss important considerations for assessment and progress monitoring. The principles and practices outlined in these sessions are critical to ensuring Multilingual Learners (MLLs) are afforded the same opportunities to learn and succeed academically as their monolingual peers.
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Programmatic Support (Dual Language)
Dual language programs have enjoyed a rise in popularity within the last 20 years due in large part to their ability to foster bilingualism, biliteracy, positive academic outcomes, and sociocultural competence. However, implementing an effective dual language program within the context of the U.S. education system presents certain challenges that require intentional and strategic planning and expertise. Clients who elect DL programmatic support will receive coaching in essential areas such as vision mapping, language allocation, curriculum, instructional methods, staffing, assessments and accountability, family engagement and more.
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Programmatic Support (TESOL)
Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programs are critical in an increasingly globalized society in which English often serves as the lingua franca of business and academia. Clients who opt for support in establishing effective TESOL programs will receive consulting in the areas of language assessments, program logistics, curriculum development, instructional frameworks, professional development for teachers, community outreach, and more.