Reflection Paper: Communication
Introduction
In both the reading by Kate Menken and the one by Coleman and Goldenberg, the focus is on English language learners and the struggles they face in their attempt to learn the language. Coleman and Goldenberg begin by providing the standards required for teaching English language and then give solutions to the challenges based on the theme of interaction. This is what they consider the best way to help people learn the language. Menken, on the other hand, sees test exams as a barrier to progression for non-English speaking students which can only be helped by a change in legislation.
They begin by saying that for ELLS to succeed they require instructional supports, interaction with people who speak English; good teachers, effective instructions, additional time to complete tasks, and modified assessments when they get evaluated. Students who speak English as a first language have an easier time understanding and completing tasks than those who don't. They, therefore, need support to reduce this gap and make them equally as competitive. Interaction is the best way for anybody to learn a language, so if all students would interact with ELLs without minding the accents, they would learn the language a lot quicker.
Reading 2: Menken
She says that the NCLB requires all students to take tests whose complexity in the framing of the language is very difficult for English learning students. Modifying of the language used would greatly help the students, but it has still not been done. This makes the performance levels of English learners on average to be lower that it should be. It even leads to school drop-outs by ELLs. The problem could be resolved if the currents methods of testing were to be structured in such a way that it becomes fair to all students. Supporting the ELLs by changing the exam testing language structure would help all students and even motivate them to perform better.
Reaction to ELA Teachers' Decision
The teachers seem to have a clear understanding of the challenges that face their students who do not have a good command of the English language. The commissioner should thus help modify the tests or do away with them completely.
