SHSU Offers Program for Limited English Students
Some people just don't test well. And imagine how hard it
is for some students, even if they are capable, to do well
on a standardized test if they are not proficient in English.
Sam Houston State University's Project TRIAD (Teachers and
Administrators Improving Reading for LEP Students) is helping
solve this problem.
SHSU's College of Education and Applied Science is training
351 teachers with a five-year $1.6 million United States Department
of Education grant. The first group to undergo the training
will complete it this December. Applications are being taken
now for the second group, which begins the program in September.
All participants will receive stipends or tuition costs and
university credit. The grant also provides $350 per participant
for travel, professional books, and materials. Additionally,
the grant pays for substitutes for teachers who will be participating
in the professional development courses.
Eligible teachers must work for school districts with fewer
than 165 Limited English Proficient (LEP) qualified students.
The program includes research-based reading instruction, action
research, curriculum alignment and development, mentoring,
and parent assistance in reading through class time, face-to-face,
and distance education, said Linda Creighton, TRIAD director.
TRIAD conducts workshops featuring nationally and locally-recognized
speakers addressing standards for LEP students and strategies
to enhance second language acquisition both linguistically
and cognitively.
Participants also conduct action research in their classrooms
and collect data for improving English as a Second Language
programs on their campuses.
In addition to grants, stipends, and workshops, the 12 hours
of credit may be applied toward an Instructional Leadership
Degree. The workshops are a great benefit to teaches, students,
and administrators from their districts, said Creighton.
TRIAD provides for each training group over three long semesters
and one summer semester professional development courses on
topics such as (1) why services for LEP are critical, (2)
program types for LEP, (3) rural needs and how to meet those
needs, (4) curriculum alignment with LEP standards, and (5)
curriculum planning and development.
For more information contact Creighton
by phone (936.294.1124) or e-mail.
- END -
SHSU Media Contact: Frank
Krystyniak
May 11, 2004
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