english language learners achieving academic success in mathematics

English Language Learners Achieving Academic Success in

Mathematics

TESOL 2011 Annual Convention

March 17, 2011

Shelly Chasse-JohndroLinda GerenaJenny Salls

Olga Ramirez

Colloquium Members

• Shelly Chasse-Johndro is the associate director and instructor of a Title III grant which trains pre-service and in-service teachers to work with ELLs in the K-12 setting at the University of Maine.

• Dr. Linda Gerena is an Associate Professor at City University of New York, York College with more than 20 years of experience in teaching ELLs and preparing pre-service teachers at all grade levels.

• Dr. Jenny Salls is a high school mathematics teacher and department chair at Sparks High School where she teaches algebra, Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus as well as an intervention class.

• Dr. Olga Ramirez is a Full Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) in Edinburg, Texas where she teaches mathematics education courses for pre-service and in-service elementary and middle school teachers.

Shelly Chasse-Johndro

Associate Director of Project Opportunity - Title III grant from the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), United States Department of Education

Teaches ESL endorsement courses for in-service and pre-service teachers at the University of Maine

Member of the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) and New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Bias and Sensitivity

President of Northern New England Teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages (NNETESOL) Executive Board

Lead individual of Mathematics In TESOL forum

High School Graduation Rates

Peer Enabled Restructured Classrooms:

A Field Trial Experiment Leading to a Successful Model for the

Urban Classroom

Funded by the National Science Foundation Mathematics and Science Partnership

What would you see if you walked into a peer enabled restructured

classroom?

The teacher might be walking around, might be talking with a

group.

Students working in groups and all the students are engaged.

You may notice a young person acting as a group facilitator (named Teaching Assistant Scholar or TAS).

The Teaching Assistant Scholars

High School students who successfully passed

and completed the course in a prior year

Regents scores in the 70-80 category (Average =

73) – middle level performance

Enrolled in “TAS class” during year to learn pedagogical strategies, advanced content, and college preparedness

PERCRobust

Empowering

Urban Classroom Reform

School Reform

Many Remaining Questions

Closes the Achievement Gap

Foundational Priorities

• Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

• Equity

• Advocacy

• Professional Development

• Research

National Council of Teachers

of Mathematics

Advocacy

• Position statement

“Teaching Mathematics to English Language Learners”

• Research Briefs and Clips

Resources for Teachers

Resources for Teachers

• Teaching Tips

• Family Resources

• Problems by grade and content

• Resource Collectiono Differentiated Instructiono Equityo Assessment

Figure This!

Illuminations

Texas A&M University – CC and UT-Pan American

Family Math & Family Science

Acknowledgments: National Science Foundation

Preservice Teachers Learning to Engage Hispanic Parents in Mathematics and Science 

[PTEP–Phase 1] (DUE # 0536827).

Texas A&M -CC

Family Math

#1

Family Math

#1

EnglishLanguageAcquisition

Family Math & Family Science

Cafeteria Setting – Expect Over 150 People

Registration

Welcome

Families

Snacks and Refreshmentsare Provided

Families ArrivePre-service Teachers

Prepare

Family Math & Family Science

Whole Families Come!

MeasurementHow Long is this? What Weighs More?

Vocabulary: Lengths, Centimeter, Decimeter,

Weight, Grams, Kilograms

Vocabulary: Scale, Balance, Trundle Wheel, Circumference, Meter

Measuring with Scales and a Trundle Wheel

Area: Who Has The Biggest Hand?

Vocabulary: Area, Square Centimeters

Fractions Concepts with Cakes, Cuisenaire Rods and Fraction Kits

Vocabulary: One Whole, Unit Fraction,

Equivalent Fractions

Hands on Equations: Solving Equations with One Unknown

Vocabulary: Equation, Unknown, Solution

Using Word Walls in the Math Content Class To Support

Language Acquisition

• Purpose of Word Walls

• Understanding Word Walls

• How to use Word Walls in Math

• Whole Class Activities

• Small Group Activities

• Individual Activitieshttps://sites.google.com/site/zidrichesl/interactive-

math-wor

Think - Pair - Share

• What is the purpose of a word wall?

• What is my experience using word walls in my teaching?

• What are some other ways I can use word walls in my classroom?

Purpose of and Understanding Words

Wall• Words must be useful and frequently used in

subject areas

• Refer to the display as the “Word Wall”

• Use the same format all year

• Discuss new words as they are displayed

• Don’t overcrowd the word wall

• Organize words to make connections clear

• Do activities with word walls

• “Retire” words when thy are no longer needed.Beers, 2003; Calella, 2001; Allen 2007,

1999

How Can We Use Word Walls in Math?

Talk to a neighbor:• What vocabulary or concepts can be included in word walls?

• How many words per week should be added?

So, We Have a Word Wall:

What Next?Think of ways to use Word Walls in:• Whole Class Activities

• Small Group Activities

• Individual Activities

Today’s Vocabulary

Math Perimeter EstimateNumerato

rRatio

Variable Tangent Graph Angle Chord

Cylinder Diameter Equation Exponent Factor

IntegerOrdered

PairPercent

Proportion

Quadrant

Radius Scale Vertex X Axis Mean

Whole Class Activities

• Mystery Word

• Visiting Word (new word)

• Missing Word

• Word Wall BINGO

• “Who Am I?” Word

• Mind Reader

• “Around the World”

Small Group Activities

• Word Pictures

• Word Cards Partner

• Word Ad

• Word Sorts

• Crossword Puzzles

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzmiBzZOnPIBtslml_NOIKCMSLQFKRdzL5ux8Y0emGlpwu3uzw3Q

Individual Activities

•Words in a story•Words within words•Word Search•Word Ranking•Word Rhymes•Metaphors & Similes•Poetry

Math Word Wall

Palm Beach County Schools

Proportion of English Language Learners

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-090.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Exited Program

ELL

Activities That Support Academic Language Development

Comprehensive Instruction

Vocabulary Their Way. Templeton, Bear, Invernizzi, Johnston, 2010

Instruction

“Supporting Math Vocabulary Acquisition,” Bay-Williams, Livers, Teaching Children Mathematics, November 2009

Mathematics - Related

Context - Related

New

Review

Research-Based Methods

Vocabulary Their Way. Templeton, Bear, Invernizzi, Johnston, 2010

• Definitional Vocabulary Instruction

• Mnemonic Techniques

• Word Study

• Context Strategies

Activities may occur prior to, during, after engagement with term(s),

or in isolation from a text reading

Frayer Model Adaptation

Word

Definition Sentence

Example/Non Example (Math)Picture (real life)

Rectangle

Rectangle

Definition Sentence

Example/Non Example (Math)Picture (real life)

Vocabulary GamesTaboo

• $20,000 Pyramid

• Concentration

• Bingo

Context Strategies

Words should be seen, used, and practiced in several different contexts

to truly get a deep meaning!

• Etch-a-Sketch

• Good News/Bad News

• Storyboards

• Acronyms

• Graffiti Cards

Etch-a-Sketch

51 Wacky We-Search Reports: Face the Facts with Fun. Lane, 2003

Good News/Bad News

51 Wacky We-Search Reports: Face the Facts with Fun. Lane, 2003

Storyboard

Going Deep with Compare and Contrast Thinking. NNWP

Storyboard

Going Deep with Compare and Contrast Thinking. NNWP

Acronyms

51 Wacky We-Search Reports: Face the Facts with Fun. Lane, 2003

Graffiti Cards

Going Deep with Compare and Contrast Thinking. NNWP

Graffiti Cards

Going Deep with Compare and Contrast Thinking. NNWP

Family MathCulturally Relevant Math Activity

A Hispanic

Family

Focus on Culturally Relevant Mathematics

A Hispanic

Family

What can I do to

involve

a Hispanic family

in mathematics

education?

Traditional Game Similar to Bingo

Many of the 54 card images are

aboutThe Day of the

DeadNov. 2nd

Mexico/South Texas – Visit Loved Ones at

Cemeteries

Mexican Loteria (Chalupa)

Is there a pattern?

Math Focus: Rectangles!

Find all (1x1), (1x2), (1x3), (3x1), (1x4), (4x1), (2x2), (2x3), (3x2), (2x4), (3x3), (3x4), (4x3) and (4x4) rectangles!

(1 x 1)

(2 x 1)

(3 x 1)

(4 x 1)RECTANGLES

(1 x 2)

(1 x 3)

(1 x 4)

RECTANGLES

(2 x 2)

(2 x 3)

(2 x 4)

RECTANGLES

(3 x 2) (3 x 3) (3 x 4)

RECTANGLES

(4 x 2) (4 x 3) (4 x 4)

RECTANGLES

Loteria RectanglesOrganizational Chart – A Problem-Solving Strategy

Type of Rectangl

e

Number Type of Rectangl

e

Number

Total

1 x 1 16 N/A N/A 16

2 x 1 ? 1 x 2 ? ?

3 x 1 ? 1 x 3 ? ?

4 x 1 ? 1 x 4 ? ?

2 x 2 ? N/A N/A ?

3 x 2 ? 2 x 3 ? ?

4 x 2 ? 2 x 4 ? ?

3 x 3 ? N/A N/A ?

3 x 4 ? 4 x 3 ? ?

4 x 4 1 N/A N/A 1

GRAND TOTAL

Loteria RectanglesOrganizational Chart – A Problem-Solving Strategy

Type of Rectangl

e

Number Type of Rectangl

e

Number

Total

1 x 1 16 N/A N/A 16

2 x 1 12 1 x 2 12 ?

3 x 1 8 1 x 3 8 ?

4 x 1 ? 1 x 4 ? ?

2 x 2 ? N/A N/A ?

3 x 2 ? 2 x 3 ? ?

4 x 2 ? 2 x 4 ? ?

3 x 3 ? N/A N/A ?

3 x 4 ? 4 x 3 ? ?

4 x 4 1 N/A N/A 1

GRAND TOTAL

Loteria RectanglesOrganizational Chart – A Problem-Solving Strategy

Type of Rectangl

e

Number Type of Rectangl

e

Number

Total

1 x 1 16 N/A N/A 16

2 x 1 12 1 x 2 12 ?

3 x 1 8 1 x 3 8 ?

4 x 1 ? 1 x 4 ? ?

2 x 2 9 N/A N/A ?

3 x 2 6 2 x 3 6 ?

4 x 2 ? 2 x 4 ? ?

3 x 3 ? N/A N/A ?

3 x 4 ? 4 x 3 ? ?

4 x 4 1 N/A N/A 1

GRAND TOTAL

Loteria RectanglesOrganizational Chart – A Problem-Solving Strategy

Type of Rectangl

e

Number Type of Rectangl

e

Number

Total

1 x 1 16 N/A N/A 16

2 x 1 12 1 x 2 12 ?

3 x 1 8 1 x 3 8 ?

4 x 1 ? 1 x 4 ? ?

2 x 2 9 N/A N/A ?

3 x 2 6 2 x 3 6 ?

4 x 2 ? 2 x 4 ? ?

3 x 3 4 N/A N/A ?

3 x 4 2 4 x 3 2 ?

4 x 4 1 N/A N/A 1

GRAND TOTAL

Loteria Rectangles

Type of Rectangl

e

Number Type of Rectangl

e

Number

Total

1 x 1 16 N/A N/A 16

2 x 1 12 1 x 2 12 24

3 x 1 8 1 x 3 8 16

4 x 1 4 1 x 4 4 8

2 x 2 9 N/A N/A 9

3 x 2 6 2 x 3 6 12

4 x 2 3 2 x 4 3 6

3 x 3 4 N/A N/A 4

3 x 4 2 4 x 3 2 4

4 x 4 1 N/A N/A 1

GRAND TOTAL 100

Vocabulary

Rectangle, Array, Rows, Columns, Pattern,

Strategy, Organizational Chart

Word Wall Resources

• Allen, J. (2007). Inside words: Tools for teaching academic vocabulary, grades 4-12. Portland, Stenhouse Publishers.

• Allen, J. (1999). Words, Words, Words. Portland: Stenhouse Publishers.

• Beers, K. (2003). When Kids Can’t Read: What Teachers Can Do. Portsmouth: Heinemann.

• Callella, T. (2001). Making Your Word Wall More Interactive. Huntington Beach: Creative Teaching Press.

Word Wall Resources

• Interactive Word Wall: Retrieved January 4, 2011.http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/langarts/wordwall062599.html

• Palm Beach County Literacy Project. Vocabulary Acquisition, Word Building Strategies and Interactive Word Walls.

• Word Walls. Retrieved January 4, 2011.http://www.theteacherscorner.net/writing/wordwall/index.htm

• Working with Words. Retrieved January 4, 2011.

http://www.wfu.edu/~cunningh/fourblocks/block4.html

Resources Research briefs and clips about ELLs in

mathematics - www.nctm.org/news/content.aspx?id=8468

Position Statement: Teaching Mathematics to ELLs - www.nctm.org/about/content.aspx?id=16135

Resources for Teachers - www.nctm.org/resources/default.aspx?id=230

Problems by grade and topic - www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=16387

Teaching Tips - www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=9584

Resources Resource Collections - Assessment, Motivation,

Curriculum, and Intervention www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=15333

Family Resources - www.nctm.org/resources/families.aspx - Help your child succeed in math and Homework Help

Figure This! - www.figurethis.org/index.html - Math challenges for students, Teacher’s and Family Corner, English and Spanish

Illuminations - http://illuminations.nctm.org/ - Standards-based resources for the teaching and learning of mathematics; Web-based; Includes lessons, activities, interactives and Calculation Nation online math game

Thank You!

Shelly Chasse-Johndro - shelly.chasse@maine.edu

Linda Genera - lgerena@york.cuny.edu

Jenny Salls - jsalls@washoe.k12.nv.us

Dr. Olga Ramirez - oram@upta.edu