Background

There is a demand in many states for qualified personnel to work with adult English language learners and a need for teacher training and professional development. Yet, the capacity of states to support teacher quality in adult English language learning continues to vary considerably. This new National Adult English Language Learning Professional Development Network will create a state-of-the-art high tech national network to disseminate teacher training resources of demonstrated quality and effectiveness to improve instruction. The goal of the Network is to identify, enhance, and develop, as needed, resources to support teacher development and the overall quality of adult English language instruction.

Overview

Kratos Learning Solutions (KLS), under contract with the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, is creating English Language Learning University (ELL University), a research-based learning portal that is designed to mirror a traditional college campus. This virtual Network (ELL University) provides teachers with access to a team of subject matter expert faculty, a quarterly online course catalogue, academic departments to enhance their professional growth, and practical resources aligned to the individual needs of instructors of adult English language learners. ELL University offers faculty office hours, learning clubs, course registration and catalogues, and even campus life activities that simulate a university experience. The project period runs from July 2010 to July 2013.

Project Milestones

• Develop Catalogue of Professional Development Materials, quarterly as of December 2010
• Create roster of trainers and professional developers, monthly, starting December 2010
• Conduct workshops and training events; online courses; and study circles, ongoing
• Establish Electronic Community of Practice, by end of contract
• Produce Report on Professional Learning for Community of Practice, quarterly as of March 2011 Outcomes and Products
• Quarterly catalogues of professional development materials and learning opportunities that demonstrate the best available evidence-base
• Annual national, regional, and/or state workshop and training events
• Electronic community of practice that employs current and appropriate communications media to unite and engage teachers in ongoing conversations on the improvement of services and outcomes for learners.

Website:

http://ell-u.org/

Contact:

Patricia Bennett