ELLs Bridge the Gap with Frames for Fluency

Brea, CA (PRWEB) January 27, 2011

Educators may be surprised to hear that research shows the average English language learner (ELL) speaks less than 90 seconds of English a day in the classroom. To help solve this problem, Ballard & Tighe, Publishers developed Frames for Fluency, a new, easy-to-use classroom tool that provides K-5 English learners opportunities for oral language rehearsal.

Most educators would agree that oral language proficiency forms the foundation of written language. In the groundbreaking report, "Improving Education for English Learners: Research-Based Approaches," a national panel of respected researchers advocates structured and explicit English language development with a focus on oral language as a key instructional practice.

Frames for Fluency is a toolbox of more than 550 ready-made sentence frames organized by proficiency level. In just 15 minutes a day, Frames for Fluency gives ELLs the opportunity to experience and practice oral language in a meaningful and structured way. Current ELL research points to the need for direct instruction on language forms (grammar) and functions (usage). Frames for Fluency enables ELLs to achieve high levels of academic oral fluency (oracy) and grammatical accuracy, serving as a bridge to literacy.

“With dropout rates more than triple their native English-speaking peers, providing ELLs a bridge to success is of vital importance for our nation’s schools. For more than 30 years, Ballard & Tighe’s sole mission has been helping English learners realize their full potential ... one student at a time,” said Mark Espinola, CEO of Ballard & Tighe.

Based on research and best practices, Frames for Fluency:

• Reduces teacher preparation time in searching for and developing the appropriate language patterns for practice by providing 550 ready-made sentence frames.
• Systematically and sequentially provides practice for key grammatical forms and functions of language.
• Provides the scaffolding students need to reach higher levels of fluency than they might reach without support.
• Uses oral language in ELD/ESL classes efficiently.
• Incorporates a consistent practice routine using a gradual release of responsibility (I DO IT, WE DO IT, YOU DO IT) that allows teachers to quickly prepare for and students to effectively participate in lessons.

For a quick overview on Frames for Fluency, visit: http://www.framesforfluency.com/movie. To learn more about Frames for Fluency and to see it being used in the classroom, visit: http://www.framesforfluency.com.

About Ballard & Tighe
Ballard & Tighe, Publishers (http://www.ballard-tighe.com) has focused on developing products for English language learners since 1976. Ballard & Tighe produces assessment products and English language development materials that are used in more than 3,500 school districts throughout the U.S. and internationally.