ESLreadingsmart.com is a Web-based learning environment designed to accelerate the
development of English as a Second Language (ESL). ESLreadingsmart.com provides
instructional materials for newcomers as well as for intermediate and advanced English
learners (grades 4 through 12, college and adult education). Each lesson offers
activities and reading selections for students, as well as online lesson plans,
worksheets, and printable handouts for teachers. Instructional materials are written
at a variety of ESL levels, helping teachers solve the challenge of teaching English
learners in multilevel classrooms. Most importantly, ESLreadingsmart.com allows
teachers to individualize ESL instruction.
ESLreadingsmart.com content is designed to:
- Accelerate English language development
- Support state-adopted objectives
- Track students’ progress in their English language development
- Integrate language
arts and ESL objectives in lessons and activities
- Integrate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
- Allow learners to connect their prior knowledge and experience to new learning situations
- Build learners’ background knowledge in several content areas
- Foster understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures
Target Learners - The program offers individualized, content-based instruction
for newcomers, beginners, intermediate, early advanced, and advanced English learners.
The program is suitable for upper elementary (4-5), seccondary (6-12), college intensive
English programs, and adult education. Given the multicultural component of ESLreadingsmart.com,
the Web site is also suitable for Language Arts teachers and students.
Standards-Based - ESLreadingsmart.com is aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills (TEKS), Sunshine Standards for Language Arts, and Teachers of Other Languages
(TESOL) international ESL/ESOL goals, California and Ohio standards. ESLreadingsmart.com
is already implemented in the most innovative ESL classrooms in Texas, Arizona,
California, Florida, New York, Ohio, Nevada, New Mexico, and North Carolina.
Effectiveness
Statistical analysis has proven the effectiveness of ESLreadingsmart.com as an ESL/ELD
instructional program. In studies carried out in 2003-2004, 2004-2005, and 2006-2007
in the Katy (Texas) Independent School District, a district with a total student
population of 1,500 students in grades 6 through 11, students who completed more
than ten ESLreadingsmart.com lessons in a school year had increased SAT 9/10 reading
and language scores in contrast to students who did not use the program. The usage
of ESLreadingsmart.com is thus clearly related to solid gains in SAT 9/10 Reading
and Language scores. Similar gains in reading comprehension, and test scores have
been reported for San Marcos ISD in 2005-2006 by independent researchers from Texas
State University in San Marcos, Texas,
National Forum of Teacher Education Journal