2016 Idaho Association of Bilingual Education Conference

Advocating Achievement for Language Learners:

Educators Working Together for Change

Thursday, February 4th

Registration and Networking with Appetizers: 4:00-6:00
Welcome: 5;45
Featured Presentation: 6:00-9:00

Starting Over Again: The Refugee Experience in Boise, ID

This documentary highlights the triumphs and tribulations of the refugee community,
through the voices of refugees who reside in Idaho
Directed by Award Winning Filmmaker
Fabio Caramaschi

Followed by a Panel Presentation and Questions and Answers

Presenters: Dr. Claudia Peralta BSU, and Belma Sadikovic, BSU
Dr. Claudia Peralta is Professor in the Department Literacy, Language and Culture at Boise State
University. Her research interests focus on bilingual education, literacy and biliteracy, multicultural
education and social justice. She has published several articles in international journals on critical issues in
bilingual education, specifically on the relations between home, community and school. Her current work
focuses on the experiences of Mexican immigrant and first-generation Mexican youth and refugee students
in the educational system in the U.S. She has organized two documentaries: Latino Community in
Treasure Valley Idaho, and Starting Over Again: The Refugee Experience in Boise, Idaho. In 2014 she
published Film and Education: Capturing Bilingual Communities (Linus with F. Orsitto and F.
Caramaschi).
Belma Sadikovic is a doctoral candidate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Boise State
University. She teaches education courses at Boise State University, and the College of Western Idaho. She
holds a Master of Education in English as a Second Language. Her research interests focus on education
of refugee students in post-secondary settings, multicultural education, as well as Educational issues
related to English language learners in U.S. schools. She is actively involved in working with the
refugee population and refugee service providers in Boise through several non-profit organizations
including the Neighbors United Committee through the Mayors Office in Boise, the International Rescue
Committee in Boise, and Boise State University. She is the co-founder of the refugee student advocacy and
support group, Boise State Refugee Alliance at Boise State University. Belma is dedicated to advocate for
the rights of refugees to become self-reliant through education. As an advocate, she is devoted to address
the needs of refugees upon resettlement in efforts to achieve self-sufficiency by advocating for effective
resettlement policy and regulations, attainable professional and educational services, and supporting the
full participation of refugees in community life.

2016 IABE Conference Program

Advocating Achievement for Language Learners:

Educators Working Together for Change
Friday, February 5th
7:00-8:30 Registration and Breakfast
8:30- 9:30 Keynote Presentation
Welcome: Merri Ann Drake, IABE President

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gisela Ernst-Slavit

Academic Language: Important for ALL, Essential for ELLs

New national and state content standards represent a pronounced shift in how classroom instruction must
be approached, including a more prominent role for academic language. Examples of the competencies
required by the new standards include: engaging with complex texts, using evidence, constructing verbal
and written arguments, and participating in academic discussions and presentations. Dr. Ernst-Slavit will
use examples and vignettes to discuss research-based strategies that foster classroom talk and the
development of academic language for English learners across various grades levels and content areas.
Dr. Ernst-Slavit, a native from Peru, is an expert in the areas of academic language pedagogy, biliteracy
development, and teacher preparation for multilingual/multicultural settings. She has given numerous
presentations in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America and has authored or coauthored
over 70 articles and 10 books. She just coauthored with Margo Gottlieb a 7-book series entitled Academic
Language in Diverse Classrooms published by Corwin.

9:40 A.M. - 10:50 SESSIONS

Ballroom: Maximizing Graphic Organizers to Develop Academic Language in ELL/Dual
language Learners
Audience: K-8
What is best practice to develop academic language for EL students? We will share current research and
demonstrate how teachers can utilize graphic organizers to help students synthesize the content of a lesson and the
vocabulary in a meaningful way. Scaffolding techniques for students of all language levels will be incorporated
throughout the session. Participants will be provided with many examples to get students to interact with the
information of a lesson (which will include the 8 major thinking processes). Strategies will also be shared with
participants on how to get students to take the information off the graphic organizer by sharing what they learned
through speaking or writing activities.
Presenters: Courtney Shearer and Laura Jenkins, Kuna School District cshearer@kunaschools.org;
ljenkins@kunaschools.org

Cedar: Moving From Quantity to Quality Talk In The Classroom

Audience: K-8
This session will allow participants to explore the science and art of discussion and how to set up a community of
discourse in the classroom. We will specifically explore how to establish a culture of respect and rapport, how to
collaboratively create discussion norms, how to use discussion stems effectively, and how to provide students
opportunities and strategies for discussion. This session will also delve into argumentation and how to argue in
meaningful ways in the classroom.
Presenter: Jackie Miller, Idaho Coaching Network, idahocore3a@sde.idaho.gov

Aspen: Change Can Be Good Changes in Migrant Summer School Program at TFSD
Audience: PreK-5 Migrant Education Program Session
Presenters will discuss the rationale behind the migrant summer school changes that have resulted in positive
outcomes for students, staff and parents. They will examine their training, themes, activities and student reactions to
the positive changes that have been made to help migrant learners grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Presenters: Abby Montano, Catherine Turpin, Shari Cowger, Twin Falls School Districts, cowgersh@tfsd.org

White Pine: ELL Approaches and Toolkit

(Note: This session will also be presented at 1:40)
Audience: K-12
Jerome School District uses a variety of different instructional approaches and technology strategies to help our ELL
population to be successful. By involving parents and students in the program we have seen a rise in academic
achievement that we would like to share with others. Some of our topics will include family involvement, student
voice, and class scheduling, academic progress monitoring and technology tools.
Presenters: Dr. Brendalynn Love and Vanessa Holmes, Jerome School District,
BrendalynnLove@jeromeschools.org; VanessaHolmes@jeromeschools.org

Cottonwood: Project GLAD Awareness Presentation

Audience: K-12
Project GLAD is a model of professional development in the area of language acquisition and literacy. It teaches
clear, practical strategies that promote English language acquisition, academic achievement, and cross-cultural skills.
The goal of this awareness presentation is to introduce participants to the Project GLAD instructional model
through a high energy and fast paced demonstration of some of the instructional strategies. Participants will walk
away from this presentation feeling energized to return to their schools and work with ELLs with confidence,
knowing they are employing best practice. It will also leave them wanting to learn more.
Presenter: Jody Bader, Independent Consultant, gladbader@hotmail.com

Bannock: Writing Language Objectives

Audience: K-8
Come and learn how to write an embedded content and language objective. Together we will go through the steps to
become successful in creating language objectives that are meaningful to both students and teachers.
Presenters: Chandra Garrison and Ronda Ward, Blaine County School District, mielson-ward@blaineschools.org

11:00 A.M. 12:10 SESSIONS

Ballroom: Do You Speak Math? Unpacking the Language of Mathematics
Audience: K-8
For students learning English as their second language, learning the language of mathematics may seem as though
they are simultaneously learning yet another language. This presentation guides participants in unpacking the
unique language demands of mathematics and in planning instruction that addresses both content and language.
Presenter: Dr. Gisela Ernst-Slavit, Washington State University, Vancouver, gernst@wsu.edu

Cedar: Co-teaching Programs: An Effective Way to Develop the Academic Language of ELLs
Audience: K-12
With the emphasis on teaching language through the content area, Idaho School Districts are charged with providing
programs that promote academic success for ELLs. Increasing numbers of Idaho Administrators, classroom teachers
and specialists agree that co-teaching is a comprehensive professional development delivery model targeting at
addressing the academic language needs of our LEP students. This sessions presenters have established and
maintained a co-teaching program in the Kuna School District and currently contract with the Idaho State
Department of Education as LEP Enhancement Grant coaches. Together they will discuss the benefits and the
challenges of establishing and maintaining effective co-teaching programs.
Presenters: Kelee Robinson, Kuna School District and Arnette Johnson, SDE EL Grant Coaches,
krobinson@kunaschools.org, arnettej7@gmail.com

Aspen: Using Childrens Literature with Drama as a Play-ground to Learn and Explore
Global Issues
Audience: 4-8
This presentation examines children's literature that depicts people undergoing political conflict and war in a postWWII era. These books portray political conflicts, refugees' relocation, and settlement in different countries. Using
these books with drama inspired activities can help students gain awareness and empathetic attitudes toward those
in a global community.
Presenter: Dr. Eun Hye Son, Boise State University, Department of Literacy, Language and Culture.
eunhyeson@boisestate.edu

White Pine: Meeting the Unique Needs of Migrant Students: The Heart Behind the Data
Audience: PreK-12 Migrant Education Program Session
The migrant program requires the collection of a lot of data. We will briefly look at the variety of data collected
(priority for services, referred services, instructional services, support services, summer school, continuation of
services, and annual residency verification), the reasons we collect it, and how this data can drive continual program
improvement for student success.
Presenter: Sarah Seamount, Migrant Education Program Coordinator, State Department of Education,
sseamount@sde.idaho.gov

Cottonwood: Standards-Based Socratic Discussions

Audience: 9-12
This session will demonstrate how students can effectively meet ICSS for reading, writing, speaking, and listening by
participating in Socratic seminars. Socratic seminars have been an engaging and empowering practice for ELL
students at the secondary level. The session will include a Socratic seminar so participants gain a first-hand
understanding of the process.
Presenter: Wendie Muoz, Canyon Ridge High School, Twin Falls School District, munozwe@tfsd.org

Bannock: Creating Competence Using Compare and Contrast

Audience: K-12, Adult learners
In this session participants will learn how to leverage real compare and contrast to create higher-order thinking
opportunities in their own classroom. Participants will participate in learning and discussions using multiple
compare and contrast strategies and see how compare and contrast can be used in writing, speaking and listening,
and in reading to enhance lessons and encourage strategic and motivated learning.
Presenter: Merri Ann Drake, Idaho Coaching Network, idahocore6@sde.idaho.gov

12:15-1:30 LUNCH
State of the State Address

Dr. Christina Nava, Director of English Learner and Migrant Education Programs, Idaho State
Department of Education
Announcements and Elections: IABE Board Members
Scholarship Award
Recognition Award

1:40 P.M. 2:40 SESSIONS

Ballroom: Serving Newcomers: Our New Bilinguals
Audience: K-12, Adult learners
Given the rapid increase of immigrant and refugee students entering U. S. public schools, a clear understanding of
student acculturation issues is needed in order to support this specialized population. This session will review a
current study conducted at two high school newcomer programs with both secondary immigrant and refugee
students and newcomer counselors. Participants in the workshop will learn of acculturation preferences of refugee
students and how well newly arrived immigrant students adapt within school environments. Results from the study
will be shared with participants, which will include the different perspectives between students and counselors
regarding student emotional well-being. Practical advice from the workshop presenter who has been working with
newly arrived students for over 10 years will be shared and an opportunity to discuss individual participant concerns
and will be included.
Presenter: Dr. Diane Oliva, Federal Programs Coordinator, West Ada School District, oliva.diane@westada.org

Cedar: Using Academic Language in Mathematics

Audience: 6-8 math content specific, relevant to all levels
A math content teacher and an English language specialist will share successful strategies for implementing academic
language in the mathematics classroom. The content used in this presentation applies to 8th grade pre-Algebra, but
the strategies apply to all levels of mathematics.
Presenters: Megan Rowe and Tori Moroney, South Junior High, Boise School District,
megan.rowe@boiseschools.org, tori.moroney@boiseschools.org

Aspen: Building Capacity with Families for Math Readiness in Young Children
Audience: Pre-K, Adult Learners
Participants will come away with family partnership ideas that build capacity for our English language families to
help develop understanding in math and language. The topics will include: number awareness, number recognition,
mathematical language building, and math games through social interactions. This session will include hands-on
activities.
Presenters: Gay Lynn Erb, Debbie Line, and Stephanie Reed, West Ada School District, line.debra@westada.org

White Pine: Using WIDA AMS to Evaluate your District ELL Program
Audience: K-12; District level
This session will demonstrate the uses of the WIDA AMS system to evaluate your district program. It will include
how to add specific information about student files that will allow for richer data upon receiving your district report
in May.
Presenter: Alissa Metzler, English Learner Program Coordinator, Idaho State Department of Education,
ametzler@sde.idaho.gov

Cottonwood: How to Conduct Successful Re-interviews for Migrant Families

Audience: K-12 Migrant Education Program Session
Every year districts team up and re-interview a random sample of migrant students. Attend this session to get the
straight scoop on how to complete this important activity. Just as important, what do you do with the results? Learn
how to use this process to improve your program by enhancing recruiting practices.
Presenter: Aracely Cornejo, Vallivue School District, aracely.cornejo@vallivue.org

Bannock: ELL Approaches and Toolkit (Note: This session is also presented at 9:40)
Audience: K-12
Jerome School District uses a variety of different instructional approaches and technology strategies to help our ELL
population to be successful. By involving parents and students in the program we have seen a rise in academic
achievement that we would like to share with others. Some of our topics will include family involvement, student
voice, class scheduling, academic progress monitoring and technology tools.
Presenters: Dr. Brendalynn Love and Vanessa Holmes, Jerome School District,
BrendalynnLove@jeromeschools.org; VanessaHolmes@jeromeschools.org

2:50 P.M. 3:50 P.M. SESSIONS

Ballroom: Developing Mathematical Thinking for ELLs: Using Models, Context and
Academic Language in Grades K-8
Audience: K-8
This session will be facilitated by math education researchers and professional development specialists from the
Developing Mathematical Thinking (DMT) organization. The session will engage participants in active problem
solving tasks to demonstrate how a specific focus on carefully selected visual (iconic) models, problem-solving
contexts and key academic language terms and structures support English language development. Examples and
tasks will span content from grades K-8. A team of 4th grade dual language teachers will share classroom experiences
and examples to highlight the practical implementation of DMT ideas in day-to-day instruction.
Presenters: Dr. Jonathan Brendefur and Sam Strother Boise State University, jbrendef@boisestate.edu;
sstrother@boisestate.edu; Hannah Decker, Susan Hayes, Iliana Sandoval, Whittier Elementary, Boise School
District

Cedar: WIDAfy Your Lesson: Lesson Planning for ELLs using the WIDA ELD Standards
Audience: 3-9
This session is appropriate for practitioners who are interested in: a brief overview
of WiDA components, WiDA standards and lesson planning, and differentiated instruction for groups of students
with diverse language needs. Presenters will include an explanation of applying the WiDA model to the ICSS for
writing for grades 3-9.
Presenters: Dr. Megan Jones, Jefferson Elementary and Hester Comstock, South Junior High, Boise School
District, megan.jones@boiseschools.org, hester.comstock@boiseschools.org

Aspen: I Love MSIX!: How MSIX Can Help You and Your Migrant Students
Audience: Relevant to migrant students K-12, Critical for 7-12 Migrant Education Program Session
MSIX contains a wealth of multi-state student information for migrant students, but isnt just for Migrant staff! Find
out how you can gain access to MSIX and how it can help you enroll new Migrant students who arrive without all the
information needed. Students movement history, health records, and course history are all available to help you fill
in the gaps at enrollment. For migrant staff, find out how you can communicate with the prior district or next district
to facilitate the timely transfer of records for migrant students. So much information, so easy to use.
Presenters: Irene Rayas, Nampa School District, irayas@nsd131.org and Diana Avila, Vallivue School District,
Diana.avila@vallivue.org

White Pine: Using Visuals and Collaboration to Support Students

Audience: 8-12
In this session, teachers will explore strategies and activities that incorporate visuals and different ways of
collaboration to meet the needs of various students and help them find success throughout a lesson. Teachers will
collaborate to consider specific strategies for incorporating visuals into a lesson for various purposes: frontloading or
scaffolding learning, demonstrating understanding of a topic, and enhancing or supporting the reading of
challenging fiction and nonfiction.
Presenter: Brandon Bolyard, Idaho Coaching Network, State Dept. of Education, idahocore3c@sde.idaho.gov

Cottonwood:

Bridging in a Dual Language Content Model

Audience: K-6
This presentation will explain the model of a 50/50 Spanish-English dual immersion program that alternates content
instruction in each language depending on the grade level. Within this model, teachers utilize bridging to facilitate
the transfer of concepts from one language to another. Approaches to teacher planning and instructional strategies
used in the program will be shared.
Presenters: Adan Sanchez, Luis Monjaras, Michelle Archibald, Joy Spencer &, Sandy Mauro, Alturas Elementary,
Blaine County School District, asanchez@blaineschools.org

Bannock: Room available for networking and collaboration

4:00 CLOSING SESSION

Ballroom: Closing and Fundraising Raffle
Please submit your evaluations!
Thank you for attending IABE 2016