Research suggests that EAL pupils have specific written language needs, which the National Curriculum cannot necessarily deal with comprehensively.
To tackle this, Ros Ferrara at Lambeth LEA in South London has been piloting a framework for assessment as part of a DfES initiative, which aims to raise levels of EAL through a focus on assessment for learning. Ros has been working closely with St Anne's RC Primary School in Vauxhall.
At St Anne's we see Sally McAvoy, one of the teachers Ros trained to use the framework, joining Year 2 class teacher Adrian Le Ciurot as he reviews one pupil's written work.
The programme demonstrates how the introduction of this kind of framework for assessment monitors and tracks the language targets set for each pupil across the curriculum.
Useful websites
Advice and support for teaching pupils with individual learning needs
The National Centre for Languages (CILT)
Listings of community language sites and examinations
Ethnic Minority Attainment (EMA)
Access to EAL and bilingual teaching materials and resources through a contributory database
Collaborative Learning Project
Cooperative network of EU teaching professionals supporting inclusive education
British Association for Applied Linguistics
Forum for people interested in language and the applications of linguistics
For anyone interested or involved in the bilingualism
TeacherNet: Online Publications for Schools
Ordering information for the New Arrivals Excellence Programme DVD, which supports the development of induction procedures for new arrivals
