EFL/ESL Student Standards and Teacher Professional Standards: Frameworks, Application, and ...

WIUT ICEL2021

EFL/ESL Student Standards and Teacher Professional Standards: Frameworks, Application, and Considerations for Country Contexts

Presented by: Dr. Ramin Yazdanpanah, EFL/TESOL Technical Expert Shukhrat Sattorov, Director of the Republican Education Center

Questions and Comments • 15-minute presentation • Q&A after both presentations • Use Zoom chat to ask questions • Write down notes on any ideas that come to mind • Access to resources and this PPT

Abstract This paper provides the audience with examples, definitions, and resources of how educational standards are defined in general, introduce frameworks of foreign language standards specifically, and considerations and best practices when developing standards. The presenters will share several international examples of why and how ESL/EFL student-learning standards are written, introduce scope and sequence as a comprehensive resource that integrates standards, and the need of alignment of instructional materials and assessment with standards. The presenters will also discuss foreign language teacher professional standards, and strategies for building teachers’ ability to implement standards-based instructional practices. The presenters will discuss the implications for the development of EFL student standards under the Ministry of Public Education and USAID-funded Uzbekistan Education for Excellence Program implemented by RTI International (lead organization), Florida State University and Mississippi State University.

Keywords: English instruction, student standards, teacher standards, alignment, education reform, Uzbekistan

Overview 1. Defining Standards 2. Rationale for Standards 3. Education Standards: Content and Performance 4. Developing Content Standards 5. Teacher Professional Standards 6. History and Future of Standards in Uzbekistan 7. Recommended Resources

Poll 1. 1-3 (1/low -3/high): What is your knowledge of standards frameworks, in general?

2. 1-3 (1/low -3/high): What is your knowledge of English language learning standards frameworks?

Why do we need standards?

1.To achieve a degree of uniformity across the education system.

2.To promote the equitable provision of education to all students, particularly those from minority and low-income groups.

3.To establish criteria to measure improvements in student achievement.

4.To enable correlations between learning outcomes and the quality of educational services provided by different levels of the system (school, district, region, country).

5.To make localities and individual schools accountable for their results.

What are standards?

1.Education standards are the learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.

2.May apply to student learning, textbooks, time allocation and working conditions, among other factors.

3.Education standards are not a curriculum.

4.Standards are what students need to know and be able to do, and curriculum detail how students will learn it.

5.Standards serve as guidelines for the curriculum.

What are standards?

Content standards Content standards describe the knowledge, skills, and other understandings that schools should teach in order for students to attain high levels of competency in challenging subject matter.

Performance standards Student performance standards define various levels of competence in the challenging subject matter set out in the content standards.

ACTFL and CEFR Two major frameworks for learning, teaching, and assessing foreign language skills: 1. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL); 2. Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR).

- Both frameworks form the basis of major testing and certification systems.

- Used for textbook development, curriculum development, and educational standards.

ACTFL World-Readiness Standards 1. COMMUNICATION (interpersonal, interpretive, presentational) 2. CULTURES (cultural reflection and knowledge) 3. CONNECTIONS (across disciplines) 4. COMPARISONS (language and culture) 5. COMMUNITIES (interactions)

Alignment of the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages with the Common Core State Standards

Example of CEFR Scale and 'can do' statements Image credit: https://badges4languages.wordpress.com/badges-and-their-opportunity/c-e-f-r-levels/

Analyze current standards and issues Support continued capacity building and plan for revision over time

Anticipate and address controversy

Develop iterative processes for professional & public participation

Developing Content Standards

Set reasonable timetables

Consider the use of multiple formats

Seek to remain flexible

Develop activities to bridge disciplines

The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of ELLs

https://www.tesol.org/the-6-principles/k-12

History of Standards in Uzbekistan • Student standards – introduced in 1999 • Teacher Professional development: – Teacher standards – to be introduced in 2021-22 – Teaching license – from April 2021

History of Standards in Uzbekistan • First standards introduced in 1999 • Developed by designated MPE departments and educational institutions selected on competitive basis • Piloted and approved by State Commission and Cabinet of Ministers • Reviewed every 4 years • Based on principles of continuous education (integration across all levels of education) introduced in 1999 • Alignment with CEFR leveling from 2012 – from A1 to C1

Future of Standards in Uzbekistan • Changes in the new standards (edition 2021): – from content to competence-based learning (‘can do’ statements) – assessment embedded in the standards – subject integration – exit requirement for A1 level from Gr 4 to Gr 6

More Information on Standards in Uzbekistan Curriculum standards approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2017 • https://lex.uz/docs/3153714

Telegram channel for information and discussion about new National Curriculum standards • https://t.me/dastur_muhokamasi

References • ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners. (2015). Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/ACTFLPerformance-Descriptors.pdf • Alignment of the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages with the Common Core State Standards. (2013).

Retrieved April 4, 2020 from https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/news/AligningCCSSLanguageStandards.pdf • Can Do Statements. (2017). Retrieved April 4, 2020, from https://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/ncssflactfl-can-do-statements • Developing Content Standards: Creating a Process for Change. (1993). Retrieved April 4, 2020, from https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/CPRE/rb10stan.html

Resources: Teacher Standards • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation • Information Literacy Standards for Teacher Education • National Academy of Science’s Teacher Preparation Standards • National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) • National Educational Technology Standards • Standards for Reading Professionals • Initial TESOL Pre-K–12 Teacher Preparation Programs • The TESOL Guidelines for Developing EFL Standards • TESOL 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching

Thank you!

Ministry of Public Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Valerie Haugen, Chief of Party Oʻzbekiston Barkamollik Uchun Ta’lim Dasturi Uzbekistan Education For Excellence Program Email Address: vhaugen@rti.org Skype Name: Valerie.Haugen Telephone Number: +1-202-288-8328 Telegram & WhatsApp Name/Number: Valerie Haugen/+1-202-288-8328 Oybek Kurbanov, Deputy Chief of Party Oʻzbekiston Barkamollik Uchun Ta’lim Dasturi Uzbekistan Education For Excellence Program Email Address: okurbanov@ueep.rti.org Skype Name: Oybek Kurbanov Telephone Number: +998-972-247-904 Telegram Number: +998-972-247-904

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