National Institute for School Leadership 
Leadership in English Language Learning Institute    

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) Program and the Center for Schools and Communities is pleased to offer the National Institute for School Leadership’s (NISL) English Language Learning Institute, a leadership series for school leaders to study and share insights on the major language and content issues and research on the best practices for improving instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs). 

Participants will focus on ways to assess, benchmark and improve teaching and learning practices for English Language Learning. The PIL Program is a statewide, standards-based continuing professional education program for school and system leaders. The comprehensive, cohort-based program is focused on developing the capacity of leaders to improve student achievement. The program is offered by PDE in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Intermediate Units and other partners at eight regional sites.  

Overview of Leadership in English Language Learning
During this two-day institute on Leadership in English Language Learning, participants will deeply study, share insights on and engage the district and school climate and context, the major language and content issues, and research on the best practices for improving instruction for ELLs. The aim is to have all students achieve the same clear standards at much higher levels so that they are all ready to advance successfully to the next stage of education. 

The Institute is a stand-alone experience complete with its own readings and videos included on a CD, several books and articles and other support materials. The Institute draws on the best of strategic thinking, instructional leadership, and proven initiatives to create a just, fair, and caring community of learners in their schools.

This two-day exchange is designed to prepare principals and other school leaders to exercise their skills in creating and promoting effective ELL programs. The institute includes several case studies, a school survey, computer-assisted preparatory materials, readings, and many interactive activities designed to deepen class interactions, participant conversations, and embedded action projects. It’s all about the practice, the work and the results.   

Institute Goals:

• Principals will assess their own school’s ELL population and program, and develop a vision and an action plan for improved student achievement in their schools.
• Principals will promote the incorporation of instructional best practices into the ELL curricula in their schools.
• Principals will design leadership strategies to promote fair assessment for ELLs.
• Principals will lead educators in creating highly effective language and content classrooms for ELLs.
• Principals will develop strategies to increase teacher capacity and enrich learning experience for the instruction of ELLs.     

Materials
Participants will receive learning materials that address key aspects of ELL oversight and improvement, including an interactive CD, course handbook and handouts developed by NISL. Participants will also receive copies of:

• English Language Learners: A Resource Guide for School Leaders, a NISL publication
• Educating English Language Learners: Understanding and Using Assessment, a publication by the National Council of La Raza
• Double the Work: Challenges and Solutions to Acquiring Language and Academic Literacy for Adolescent English Language Learners, a publication by the Alliance for Excellent Education 

Since participants will need to complete assignments before the start of the Institute, all materials will be received free of charge prior to the Institute.

Any questions regarding the National Institute for School Leadership's (NISL) English Language Learning Institute should be directed to Jan Vass at 717-763-1661 ext. 192 or via email at jvass@csc.csiu.org