Overview

The Speaking Proficiently Enables All Kids (S.P.E.A.K.) project is purposefully designed to result in significant improvement in the academic achievement of English Language Learners (ELLs) who are at risk of educational failure. It will systemically change the way teachers are prepared to teach ELLs in rural school districts of southwest Missouri. The purpose of this National Professional Development (NPD) Grant is to provide Missouri endorsement for Teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) through state-approved courses and professional development activities, designed to improve classroom instruction for at-risk ELLs. Project S.P.E.A.K. personnel will assist participating teachers in meeting high professional standards.

» Project S.P.E.A.K. brochure (pdf)
» Project S.P.E.A.K. Informational PowerPoint Presentation
» Project S.P.E.A.K Grant Proposal (pdf)
» Project S.P.E.A.K Courses (pdf)
» Conceptual Framework (pdf)

Goals

The overall goal of the project is to prepare teachers to work with diverse student populations in order to improve the academic achievement of English Language Learners (ELLs). In order to achieve the overall goal, three specific goals are identified:

• Goal #1 - All courses in the MSSU pre-service and in-service training programs will be aligned with TESOL/NCATE teacher preparation standards and/or K-12 state standards and assessments, including English language proficiency standards and content standards.
  
• Goal #2 75 in-service teachers will earn ESOL/TESOL endorsement, and 150 teachers will participate in high quality ESOL/TESOL professional development.
  
• Goal #3 100% of graduates/completers will be effective in the instructional setting with English Language Learners.