To meet the educational needs of the nation’s growing number of English Language Learners (ELLs), Thesys International, LLC has developed ELLoquence, a digital curriculum that blends high-tech and hands-on instruction to significantly improve learning outcomes for ELL students. ELLoquence is a complete, comprehensive curriculum for ELLs in grades 6-12 that emphasizes academic subjects. It is aligned to Common Core and WIDA standards and is designed to be used in classrooms with students at one or more levels of English proficiency. The proficiency levels supported range from newcomer through advanced.
“My new guys are enjoying the material. We went over vocabulary today and will be creating the vocabulary sentences later this week. I like the new format where they write their sentences in a window and can save them.”
Quantitative studies conducted in 2013 involving 150 students (grades 6-12) attending Fairmont Private Schools identified that 60 percent of the basic/beginner ELLs were reclassified to pursue mainstream education after using ELLoquence for one year. This figure of basic/beginner ELLs being reclassified to mainstream education rose to 83 percent in 2014.
“Students with a lower level of English language proficiency naturally struggle in coursework, making it harder for them to graduate and follow their dreams,” said Alan Rudi, Director of Thesys International. “ELLs need a blend of teacher interaction, quick & accessible curriculum, and practical digital learning opportunities that are age-appropriate, like all students.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (2014), the approximate number of ELLs in U.S. public schools is 4.6 million and growing nine percent a year.
ELLoquence uses Content-based Instruction and Communicative Language Teaching strategies to develop students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Academic learning is developed around science, social science, and English themes.
Teachers receive online access to course content, assessments, and support from a teacher mentor and help desk. They gain the freedom to focus more on teaching and mentoring students individually while spending less time researching and developing lessons on their own. Teachers can also easily add their desired learning activities that they have found to be successful in the classroom.
Teacher Observations on the Effectiveness of ELLoquence
The following teachers describe how ELLoquence contributes to their efforts in motivating students to develop English skills:
Rebecca Taylor, Limestone (AL)
“On Tuesday, I saw a real breakthrough. I have a student that, while very sweet, spends her time talking in Spanish and giggling. We went on to the discussion board, and she read a message from her cousin. She was so excited to see that her cousin was writing to her in English that she wrote back.”
Ericson Teller, McMinnville Alt. Ed. (OR)
“My new guys are enjoying the material. We went over vocabulary today and will be creating the vocabulary sentences later this week. I like the new format where they write their sentences in a window and can save them.”
Val Axtell, Arcadia High School (CA)
“Wanted you to know that I loved doing Thesys this week! I was able to get the kids on to Chromebooks and working. The students were engaged, and I felt they had even more opportunities to speak English and present because of the lessons!”
Kristen Mitchell, Cornerstone Academy (CA)
“I have taught “The Story of the Shipwrecked Sailor” to align with the Gabriel Marquez unit. They are ready, and I can see now all of the ELD (English Language Development) students have improved over the course of the year. I love seeing their progress.”