Making Content Accessible. Building Academic Language.

Understanding the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) is only the beginning. The real work happens when educators translate those standards into meaningful classroom instruction.

This interactive training helps teachers understand language proficiency levels, integrate language development into content instruction, and select appropriate scaffolds without reducing academic expectations.

Participants will explore:

• Revised ELPS and Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs)

• Content-based language instruction and comprehensible input

• Language objectives and structured student talk

• Differentiation and scaffolding across proficiency levels

• Practical strategies for listening, speaking, reading, and writing

Designed for: Elementary and secondary teachers, instructional coaches, and campus administrators.

Beyond the Test: Building Language Proficiency Every Day.

TELPAS preparation should not begin a few weeks before testing. Effective preparation happens through purposeful language development throughout the school year.

This training helps educators understand TELPAS proficiency expectations and implement instructional practices that strengthen students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Sessions can be customized for teacher professional development or student-focused TELPAS bootcamps.

Participants will explore:

• TELPAS proficiency levels and assessment expectations

• Understanding and analyzing student language responses

• Strategies for developing more complete oral responses

• Vocabulary development and academic conversations

• Classroom routines that support ongoing language development

Designed for: Emergent bilingual students, ESL and bilingual teachers, content teachers, and instructional specialists.

Building Knowledge. Strengthening Confidence. Preparing for Certification.

Our ESL Supplemental (154) preparation workshops help educators develop a deeper understanding of the knowledge and instructional practices assessed on the Texas ESL Supplemental certification examination.

Rather than focusing exclusively on memorization, participants apply concepts through scenarios, collaborative activities, and guided practice.

Participants will explore:

• Language acquisition and second-language development

• Cultural awareness and student identity

• ESL instructional approaches and classroom strategies

• Assessment and language proficiency

• Family and community engagement

• Practice questions and test-taking strategies

Designed for: Teachers preparing for the Texas ESL Supplemental (154) certification examination.

Support Language. Build Independence.

Paraprofessionals play an essential role in helping emergent bilingual students access classroom instruction. However, effective support requires knowing when to assist, how to scaffold, and when to gradually step away.

This hands-on workshop equips paraprofessionals with practical strategies for supporting teacher-directed instruction while encouraging student participation and independence.

Participants will explore:

• Foundational ELPS concepts and language proficiency levels

• Supporting listening, speaking, reading, and writing

• Using sentence stems, visuals, and structured talk

• Recognizing the difference between supporting and rescuing

• Gradually reducing scaffolds as students become more independent

• Responding to real elementary and secondary classroom scenarios

Designed for: Elementary and secondary paraprofessionals and instructional support personnel.

Welcoming Students. Strengthening Systems. Creating Opportunities.

Newcomer students bring rich experiences, languages, and strengths into our schools. Supporting their academic success requires more than placement decisions or an orientation process.

Drawing from Dr. Marie Moreno's experience as the founding principal of Las Americas Newcomer School, this training helps educators and school leaders develop responsive programs that address both instructional and student-support needs.

Participants will explore:

• Creating welcoming environments for newly arrived students

• Understanding students' educational and language backgrounds

• Instructional practices for students at beginning proficiency levels

• Building language-rich classroom routines

• Strengthening family and community partnerships

• Developing schoolwide systems for newcomer support

Designed for: Teachers, ESL and bilingual specialists, campus administrators, counselors, and district leaders.

Your District. Your Needs. A Training Designed for You.

No two districts face exactly the same challenges. Newcomer Success partners with educational leaders to design professional learning experiences that address specific instructional priorities, student populations, and campus goals.

From campus-based workshops to districtwide professional development, our approach emphasizes active participation, practical application, and ongoing educator growth.

Services may include:

• Customized elementary and secondary workshops

• Instructional coaching and classroom support

• Campus and district leadership development

• Newcomer program consultation

• ELPS and language instruction implementation

• Conference presentations and keynote sessions

• Follow-up coaching and implementation support

Designed for: School districts, campuses, educational organizations, and conference organizers.