Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) will collaborate with three other school districts and the California League of Schools (CLS) to implement a new grant designed to boost English Learner language skills.
The four-year $1.85 million National Professional Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education will provide resources for elementary school educators to increase their academic language instruction and family engagement skills. The program, The Pedagogical Paradigm: Instructional Routines for Educators of English Learners, aims to teach school leaders and teachers in grades K-2 steps to build students’ confidence and proficiency in the English language. Building welcoming communities among school staff, students and families will also be a focus.
Three elementary schools from MVUSD (yet to be selected), Hemet Unified, Elk Grove Unified and Franklin-McKinley School Districts will participate in the program. Each district serves a high percentage of English learners. The California League of Schools will partner with authors Dr. Kate Kinsella and Theresa Hancock who will develop the curriculum and train teachers and principals, while also working with Families in School, a nonprofit that will work with schools to create a welcoming environment.
“This program will support strong development of English language skills at a young age setting them up to achieve a higher level of success as they advance in their academic careers,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora.
“As a school board, we want to give every student an opportunity for the best outcomes after graduation. The grant will set a foundation for our youngest students, who are learning English, to be better prepared for the challenges in their futures,” said School Board President Cleveland Johnson.
Planning for the program begins this month.