The University of Rhode Island\u2019s School of Education, in collaboration Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), is launching the state\u2019s first cohort to train administrators in multilingual learner education, beginning in the fall.<\/p>\n
The cohort was designed by Amy Correia, who heads URI\u2019s Master\u2019s in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)\/BDL (Bilingual and Dual Language) program, and is an English Learner\/MLL Ambassador for RIDE. The EL\/MLL Ambassadors were charged with leveraging their expertise, knowledge, and connections, to advance RIDE\u2019s 2020 Vision for Education for all multilingual students.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdministrators, in addition to teachers, deserve the opportunity to build their knowledge base and expertise on how to best support culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families,\u201d said Correia. \u201cThey should feel empowered to make effective decisions when overseeing, supporting, and advocating for multilingual learner language assistance programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Administrators will take two, 12-week, graduate level courses that focus on foundations and advanced study of multilingual learners. The coursework is designed for adult learners who are working professionals. The program combines online and face-to-face sessions, but will move fully online depending on the guidance of health officials and the progression of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
The program will run from September 2020 to May 2021, with a six-week break between semesters. The cost of the full program is $2,250.
\nAdministrators are encouraged to work with their districts to count the coursework toward their Professional Learning Units for recertification.
\nThe inaugural cohort capacity is 30 participants, reserved on a first-come basis. A waiting list will be generated once the cohort is filled.<\/p>\n
Information session dates and times are:<\/strong> Information session registration can be found here<\/a><\/p>\n For course information and program details contact Amy Correia at correia@uri.edu <\/a>or click here<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWednesday, May 13, from 3 to 4 p.m.
\nFriday, May 15, from 11 to noon
\nTuesday, May 19, from 2 to 3 p.m.
\nThursday, May 21, from 6 to 7 p.m.
\nWednesday, May 27, from 1 to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n