Accommodations for Newcomer MLs in Secondary Content Classes   

Nekeisha Ogletree, Hickman Mills SD  

Discover strategies to accommodate MLs in a general education setting by creating language objectives to focus instruction and integrating the four domains of literacy. All information will be delivered based on a mastery approach including WIDA and DESE language standards for newcomer MLs.  

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Co-Teaching, Co-Planning, Collaboration and Coaching for Elementary ML Success  

Lauren Chadwick, Kansas Cit International Academy   

Explore how to co-teach, co-plan and collaborate for elementary ML success. Discover how a content ELA teacher and an EL specialist work in collaboration for EL learner’s long-term success.   

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Creating a Language-Rich Classroom  

Reah Morabith, Heart of Missouri RPDC  

Discover practical strategies for the content classroom that are highly valuable and easily adaptable for ML newcomers, ML advanced or native-English-speaking students. Create engaging, language-rich environments that support all students in your classroom by enhancing student interaction, making content more accessible and promoting academic language development.  

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Cultural Differences: Examining Cultural Miscommunications  

Reah Morabith, Heart of Missouri RPDC  

Gain greater awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences while exploring the profound influence of culture on everyday interactions. In this session, participants will examine real-world scenarios to uncover the underlying cultural values and beliefs that may shape behaviors, actions and reactions. Through engaging discussions, develop strategies to navigate challenging situations with MLs and their families more effectively.   

Content Strand: Student & Family Support MLs 

EL Development Processes  

Kajal Ramsunder, Raytown C-2 School District  

Explore Raytown School District policies and process in identifying English Learners (ELs), their needs and placement. Review processes for determining students’ eligibility for EL services and establishing communication plans with students and families. Explore and discuss other districts’ best practices with these processes.  

Content Strand: Student & Family Support 

ELL Quick Guide: Essential Strategies for Content Teachers  

Katie Killeen, Kansas City International Academy  

Review the “ELL Quick Guide” created by our Curriculum and Instruction team. This resource is used by content teachers in our building along with instructional coaching to make decisions about what classroom supports can be used specifically for MLs. Explore the resource and discover how it is used in the planning of an 8th grade Science Lesson. Learn how to use the "ELL Quick Guide" to plan a lesson using your own curricular resources.   

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Empowering MLs through Easy Classroom Strategies   

Marissa Geyer, Discovery Education  

Explore engaging, multi-modal resources available on the Discovery Education Experience platform, designed specifically to motivate and support MLs. Unlock practical, high-level strategies aimed at enhancing oral language development, fostering academic vocabulary growth and incorporating scaffolded writing opportunities. Discover intentional instructional techniques that empower educators to create a dynamic learning environment, ensuring every language learner thrives in their speaking, reading and writing. Don’t miss this chance to enrich your tool kit with effective strategies that make a difference.  

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Getting started with AI  

R Kent Yocum, Kansas City RPDC 

Geared for the reluctant EL educator who is reluctant to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Explore an introduction to AI tools to ease your workload and inspire learning. This session will include how to sign up, the best AI tools for adult and student use, demonstrations and an opportunity for hands-on practice.  

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Leading for Inclusive School Culture  

Delia Perez-Solorzano, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools  

Discover strategies to create inclusive school cultures that empower MLs. Explore leadership practices, tools and frameworks that foster belonging, equity and high expectations. Gain actionable steps to transform your school community into a thriving, inclusive environment.   

Content Strand: Leadership & School Culture 

Making Language Visible: Systemic Functional Linguistic Theory in Practice   

Stephaney Ferguson, Kansas City International Academy  

Explore research about Systemic Functional Linguistic theory and its application to the classroom.  Gain a new understanding of the kinds of language that needs to be explicitly taught and some ideas on how to start teaching it.  Learn how to use AI and WIDA language assessment frameworks to build discourse in content area classrooms like Math, ELA, Science and History.   

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Supporting Newcomers K-8  

Lauren Chadwick, Kansas City International Academy   

Explore how to support newcomers transitioning into U.S. school when a newcomer center is not available. Discover tips and tricks for supporting students from the first day of school and beyond through the lens of various instructional methods and school wide support structures.   

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs 

Utilizing School-based PD Teams to Support MLs  

Andrea Hellman, Missouri State University  

Explore a school-based professional development program designed to promote dialogue and outcomes for MLs. The program starts with a self-assessment tool to help teachers evaluate their current practices, followed by ten self-paced modules. These modules focus on essential topics related to equity and best practices for supporting MLs. Review success stories from Missouri schools that have completed the program and receive access to the TEAMS USA course website, a downloadable workbook and a facilitator's guide to support your learning experience.  

Content Strand: Leadership & School Culture 

Voices in Bloom: Nurturing Oral Language Growth for Emergent MLs   

Emily Brown, Kansas City RDPC  

Every word a child speaks is a step toward unlocking their full potential-let’s empower MLs to thrive through the power of oral language! This interactive session will dive into the five essential components of oral language and discover practical strategies to seamlessly weave them into classroom instruction. By intentionally planning opportunities for students to discuss content, we support their development in reading and writing while also enhancing their conversational and academic English skills.  

Content Strand: Instructional Practices for MLs