Core Services

Who Should Participate?

• K-12 teachers of math, science, social studies, ELA, and ELD
• Administrators
• Supervisors
• Coaches

Three-Day Complete ExC-ELL 101 Academy

Over a period of three days, teachers engage in intensive training on the twelve instructional components and corresponding strategies for building academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills via content-integrated, subject-based lessons. Participants leave with a fully integrated lesson plan or two. Administrators and coaches should also plan to participate. Participants will learn how to:

• Select and teach words from classroom texts to facilitate comprehension
• Utilize all the components of reading--from setting the stage to delving deep into the text and mastery of contents and academic vocabulary within that text
• Introduce the basic elements of academic writing from drafting to revising, editing, and producing final compositions for expository, narrative, and argumentative/persuasive types of writing
• Implement tools and strategies for developing a positive classroom climate
• Use the WISEcard observation protocol to plan/deliver lessons, reflect on practice, and assess student progress

One-Day ExC-ELL Administrator Academy

After quickly reviewing the components and strategies presented at the 101 Academy, administrators and coaches learn how to better support and coach teachers across implementation. This includes how to conduct and document evidence-based observations using the WISEcard observation protocol.  Central district administrators are also encouraged to attend.  Participants will learn how to:

• Evaluate evidence of strategies implementation
• Build coaching and observation skills using the WISEcard observation protocol
• Draft a schoolwide implementation plan, complete with expectations and communication of expectations

Site-Based In-Class Coaching

Once training at the 101 Academy is complete, an ExC-ELL Master Coach visits 5-6 teacher classrooms per day to ensure transfer has “taken” and that strategies are used effectively and appropriately. Administration and site coaches are encouraged to shadow ExC-ELL  Master Coaches as they build their own capacity. Participants will learn how to:

• Conduct reciprocal learning as they take turns implementing targeted strategies in the classroom while being observed by their peer coach/colleague for enhanced reflection
• As Literacy Coaches, observe, give feedback, and help plan next steps with teachers implementing targeted strategies in the classroom
• Debrief with their ExC-ELL Master Coach and any accompanying administration or site-based support staff, and each other as peer coaches
• Plan refinements and next-steps for continued implementation of strategies

Two-Day Coaching Academy

Once administrators and coaches complete in-classroom shadowing, now they’re ready for more formal training on how to offer ongoing on-site teacher support. Ideally, each teacher should be visited at least three times a year by an ExC-ELL Master Coach and many more times by the newly trained on-site coaches. Participants will learn how to:

• Use the WISEcard observation protocol to help teachers plan lessons for each instructional component
• Build skills for setting up the observation and determining a teacher’s focus
• Utilize strategies on how to offer positive feedback, encourage teacher self-reflection, and determine next steps.
• Observe ExC-ELL Master Coaches and recognize evidence of implementation

OF SPECIAL NOTE: While maintaining its focus on academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills, the above services can be tailored to any district or institution’s specific needs, including training delivered entirely in Spanish. The services can also be individualized by grade-level clusters, subject area, or for special purposes (electives and supplemental courses).