Next Generation ESL Tools and Resources

The Next Generation ESL Project's approach promotes systematic, explicit, and sustained language instruction integrating content area topics and themes to support simultaneous development of language and disciplinary analytical practices. In this way, the Next Generation ESL curriculum approach is directly aligned to the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework and draws from the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This collection of tools and resources can be used to support educators developing high-quality ESL curriculum, instruction, and assessments. Because of the iterative nature of curriculum development, educators are encouraged to review the resources before they start designing units, refer to them during the drafting stage, and use them after units and lessons are drafted for self-assessment and revisions.

Multilingual Learning Look-for Tool

The Multilingual Learning Look-for Tool articulates essential expectations for effective teaching and learning aligned to the DESE Educational Vision, the MA Blueprint for English Learner Success, and the Standards of Effective Practice.

The Look-Fors feature elements of effective instruction for MLs, which are aligned to specific pillars and building blocks from the MA Blueprint for English Learner Success. These pillars and building blocks are prioritized because they are most visible in classroom instruction. There are observable teacher and student actions aligned to each element. These actions break down and make visible culturally & linguistically sustaining practices that are essential across all classrooms that serve MLs, which can include sheltered content instruction, ESL, bilingual/dual language, and should apply across instructional models (push-in, pull-out, standalone, embedded, co-teaching, etc.).

• Multilingual Learning Look-for Tool

• Multilingual Learning Look-for Tool Deep Dive 1: Learning Environment

• Multilingual Learning Look-for Tool Deep Dive 2: Assets Orientation

• Multilingual Learning Look-for Tool Deep Dive 3: Purposeful & Authentic Interaction

• Multilingual Learning Look-for Tool Deep Dive 4: Rigorous & Meaningful Opportunities to Learn

Unit and Lesson Resources

Unit Development

Lesson Planning

Additional Resources for Unit and Lesson Planning

• MA Curriculum Frameworks
• WIDA ELD Standards 2020
• ESL MCUs
• Attending to the Role of Critical Stance and Social Justice in ESL Curriculum Development
• Unpacking Academic Language Tool
• Sociocultural Implications
• NGESL Language Objectives

Tools and Resources for Collaboration

• Collaboration Tool
• Interactive Guide to the Collaboration Tool
• Comprehensive Overview: The Collaboration Tool
• Collaboration Tool Try-Out: Step by Step
• ESL Best Practices Quick Reference Guide: Collaboration with Content Area Teachers
• Creating Focus Language Goals

Assessment Resources

• Assessment Framework
• ESL Best Practices Quick Reference Guide: Formative Assessment