FAQs+about+Category+Trainings

=Frequently Asked Questions about ELL Category Trainings=

1. What is category training?
Category training is a series of professional development workshops for teachers with the objective of providing skills and knowledge to work effectively with English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom.

2. Why do I have to take it?
Category training, also called Sheltered English Instruction Professional Development (SEI PD) by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is a state initiative to comply with the 2002 state law (chapter 71A) and the 2004 federal law (Title III, part A, section 3102). Teachers who have ELLs in their classrooms must be qualified to teach the students.

3. How many hours do I need to complete each of the four category trainings?
Category 1 Introduction to Second Language Learning & Teaching 12 hours Category 2 (preschool-grade 12) Enhancing and Enriching English Language Learning in the Classroom 24 seat hours + outside 6-10 hours Category 3 (preschool-grade 12 students) Assessment of Listening & Speaking 12 hours Category 4B (preK-5th grade): Teaching Reading and Writing to English language learners 24 hours Category 4C (6-12th grade) Teaching Reading and Writing to Limited English Proficient Students 15 hours

4. What are the outcomes of the category training?
• Teachers who have completed Category 1 training are expected to begin reflecting on their current teaching practices and begin making modifications to lessons for ELLs. • Teachers who have completed Category 2 and/or Category 4 are expected to be using modified curriculum and differentiating instruction, using techniques called “sheltering.” • Teachers who have completed Category 3 training are able to assess the listening comprehension and speaking production of the ELLs in their class.

5. Who teaches the category trainings?
Professional trainers have been selected by Randolph’s director of ELLs and World languages, Kathy Frye. All trainers completed training from DESE contracted trainers. Trainers are trained and observed by DESE to ensure good training techniques.

6. Can I get graduate credit for any of the category training?
Yes, 1 graduate credits for category 4 and 3 graduate credirs for Category 2.

7. Can any graduate courses take the place of category training?
Yes. Most institutions offering courses related to ELLs will tell, perspective students, if they ask, if the course has been approved by the DESE for one (or more) of the category trainings.

8. Can any of the category training be taken on-line?
No. The category training curriculums are meant to be interactive using discovery curricula.

9. Do I have to take the Category trainings in order?
No. However, it is best to take Category 1 first since material in that training sets the groundwork for all other trainings.

10. If I’ve done ELL training outside of MA, can I receive credit for any of the category training?
You may be able to. You would need to submit all your training materials to the office of Language Acquisition and they will determine whether or not the workshop or course you have taken aligns with any of the DESE category training per the Commissioner's Memorandum of June 2004. If any of the training you took covers the vast majority of content and outcomes as any one of the four MA category trainings, they will write you a letter stating what training you will receive “credit” for.