R-Research

==Research the Curriculum  Directions: Browse the websites below and critique each curriculum. Keep in mind your philosophy of education and all that we have learned in this class. Then, answer the poll at the bottom of the page. Feel free to add any comments below the polling box as an option. All links will open in a new window. ==

====Avenues  & High Point ====

====Avenues (lower grade) & High Point (upper grade) are a standards-based language instruction with specialized strategies by National Geographic. They contain grade-level material with science and social studies connections. The instruction is data-driven with multi-level assessment. The resources are language-rich and provide basic and academic vocabulary. There is also multi-level writing to complement the program. ====

Carousel of Ideas ====The program Carousel of IDEAS is designed with an "acquisition-based" method that focuses on authentic communication as well as accuracy. The program- based on scientific research on how children best learn a new language — integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing with major content areas. The program prepares students for success in mainstream, academic classes. ====

Imagine Learning ====Imagine Learning is a software program used to teach and give support for English Learners. Many users of the program have been pleased with the results of the program. The program can be used in small or large groups, while still providing differentiated instruction for the learners. Another positive component of the program is that it encourages students to practice speaking English. While using the program, the students are more willing to speak aloud and do so in an appropriate volume. The program uses their primary language, recording their own voice, and songs. The students are more interested in using this program because it uses technology and media. Teachers preferred using this program because they are able to print individualized reports to know the strengths and weaknesses of each child participating. ====

Santanilla "Spotlight on English" ====Watch this video to learn about the content driven and research-based new ELD curriculum. Each unit is divided into three sections designed to systematically develop literacy skills. This program also has online resources. The textbook offers language forms and function practice through the vehicle of cross curricular grade level content. ====

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**Please feel free to add any comments below.**

I  would love to try out the Imagine program. I like the fact that it utilizes students' primary languages, that it encourages students to practice speaking, and can be used with large or small groups. So many students are so shy. It's hard to make progress when you don't practice out loud. Are any of these programs for junior high? It looked like they were all for K-5. Connie I actually think the Avenues and High Point are great programs because they focus on content area literacy development- and this is an area that is last to be acquired. It seems that many students pick up BICS well before CALP. - Loretta <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Our students use Imagine Learning, and I like it because the input is comprehensible-- the academic language is presented in context with lots of graphics and symbol, so students have lots of non-linguistic representation of the content. I would like to explore the Carousel of Ideas curriculum further. It appears as though this curriculum is also content driven, and many of the learning activities are standards based. Dionne