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From http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/five-things-teachers-can-do-improve-learning-ells-new-year

Kristina Robertson writes, "Teachers are always looking for ways to improve in the classroom; to assist with any of your New Year's resolutions that relate to instruction, I will recommend five specific and measurable actions you can implement to assist English language learners in the classroom. To increase the likelihood of success and continuity, I suggest teachers pick one item and stick to it for the rest of the year. It is better to do one thing consistently and do it well than to try to do all five and possibly lose focus and motivation, becoming a Jack of all trades and master of none. I also suggest teachers employ the "support group" method to ensure success and use the chosen strategy as a topic for a professional learning community. Sharing successes and challenges with colleagues will help you all grow professionally, and more students will benefit academically."

Here are the five recommended strategies:
1. Increase ELL students' English language production and peer interaction.
2. Explicitly teach English language vocabulary and structures.
3. Build on ELLs' Background Knowledge to Increase Comprehension
4. Increase ELL Parent Involvement
5. Increase Writing Opportunities

Read the full article at http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/five-things-teachers-can-do-improve-learning-ells-new-year