English Language Learners
Focus Group Report

Introduction | Background | Focus Group | Research | Discussion | Recommendations | Closing | Appendix A | Appendix B | Appendix C | Appendix D

 

Focus Group Agenda

English Language Learners
Focus Group - April 8-9, 2002

Focus Group Goals and Outcomes

• To identify research-based strategies to improve Head Start and Early Head Start services for children and families from non-English language backgrounds; and
  
  
• To solicit recommendations regarding effective approaches that support the development and learning of linguistically diverse children and to assess their progress over time.

AGENDA- Monday, April 8th

8:00- 9:00 Continental Breakfast

9:00- 9:45

Welcome and Introductions-
Jessica Knight- Education Specialist

Opening Remarks
Carol Whitten- Special Assistant to the Associate Commissioner Tom Schultz- Director, Program Support Division

Historical Overview
E. Dollie Wolverton- Chief, Education Services Branch

Purpose of Focus Group and Anticipated Outcomes
Carmen DaCosta- National Head Start Fellow

9:45-12:30

Discussion of Focus Questions-

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT FIRST AND SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION FOR CHILDREN AGES BIRTH TO FIVE

• What do we know about how our children are currently doing with first and second language acquisition?
  
  
• What do we know about the issues and challenges for programs, staff, parents, and children in the area of first and second language acquisition?
  
  
• What do we know about what works for young children in the area of first and second language acquisition?
  

10:00-10:45 Parent presentations

Ed Moore, Fort Belknap Head Start
Thuy Cao, Rosemont Head Start
Sahar Ali, Higher Horizons Head Start

Open Discussion

10:45-11:00 Break

11:00-11:45

Program presentations

Kathleen Sullivan, Peoples Regional Opportunity Program
Carol Bellamy, Higher Horizons Head Start
Graciela Italiano-Thomas, Centro de la Familia Migrant Head Start

Open Discussion

11:45-12:30 Researcher presentations

Patton Tabors, Harvard University
Michael Lopez, Commissioner's Office of Research & Evaluation, ACYF
Sylvia Sanchez, George Mason University

Open Discussion

12:30-1:30 Lunch

1:30-2:00

An Overview of the Migrant Programs' Technical Paper on Second
Language Acquisition
Sandra Carton- Chief, Migrant and Seasonal Programs
Sharon Yandian- Project Director, MSHS Quality Improvement Center

2:15-5:00

Small Group Discussions-

What are the issues, challenges, approaches and successful strategies in the following areas regarding first and second language acquisition for children ages birth to five years?

• Curriculum and Teaching Strategies
  
  
• Working with Parents and Families
  
  
• Assessment and Documentation
  
  
• Staff Development and Training
  

AGENDA- Tuesday, April 9th

7:30-8:30 Continental Breakfast

8:30-12:00

Highlights from the Small Group Discussions

• Curriculum and Teaching Strategies
  
  
• Working with Parents and Families
  
  
• Assessment and Documentation
  
  
• Staff Development and Training
  

Open Discussion

Recommendations for the Head Start Bureau

Closing Comments

12:00-1:00 Lunch