Station Rotation Model: A Case Study in EL-Centered School Improvement
In this model, students in small flexible groups SWIRL (Speak, Write, Interact, Read, and Listen) as they rotate through learning stations designed to build proficiency in grade-level content and academic English.
ESOL teachers and grade-level teachers collaborate and co-teach in Professional Learning Communities to create equitable conditions for all students to learn grade-level content and academic English simultaneously in the core content areas.
A Word from the Principal’s Office…
How Is “ESOL” Defined in a Station Rotation Model?
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is:
• Differentiation of academic content for students at varying English language proficiency levels in all subjects.
• Structured, systematic, content-based English language development as follows:
◦ Collaboration Stations: ELs engage in academic conversations to demonstrate and extend their thinking when speaking and writing in the academic subject areas.
◦ English Language Development Stations: ELs study the features of academic English as they arise naturally in the context of content instruction. Students build proficiency in using content vocabulary, language forms and conventions (grammar), and linguistic complexity when speaking and writing in the academic subject areas.
What Is an Equitable Schoolwide ELD Model?
An equitable schoolwide ELD model creates the conditions for all students to learn grade-level content and academic English simultaneously. An equitable ELD model is an essential foundation of an EL-centered improvement journey. Note that each school’s equitable ELD model will vary according to the specific needs of the school.
Conditions for grade-level content and academic English learning are achieved not only through extensive collaboration and co-planning in professional learning communities consisting of ESOL teachers and grade-level classroom teachers but also through a deep commitment by ESOL teachers to form their own community of practice to build their capacity around content-based language teaching and effective differentiation of grade-level academic content. The graphic below illustrates the components of an equitable schoolwide ELD model and the research and resources upon which the model is based.
Below is an equitable schoolwide ELD model created by a high EL-impact Title 1 elementary school, using the Guiding Questions and Resources to Build an Equitable Schoolwide ELD model on the Our Vision page.
