Needs Assessment

1. Needs Assessment Ellen Bonnard and Molly Verleger

2. Discrepancy in incorporating reading across the curriculum into the world language classroom • Reading across the curriculum is required in the district • Level-appropriate reading materials are very limited in the district adopted textbook and supplementary materials • Teachers are lacking the necessary training to include substantial reading in the second language classroom • Reading in the second language classroom does not need to be in English to reinforce literacy.

3. Instructional/Training needs • Training in reading strategies for second language teachers; use of reference tools, connecting 1st language strategies to 2nd language • Exploration of Internet sources • Incorporation of authentic reading materials; i.e. realia • Use of Smartboard, document camera, video camera • Grant writing in order to build classroom libraries of level appropriate materials

4. Validation • Research indicates that increasing the time spent reading and varying the materials available to students for this purpose, have significant learning benefits in both the language course as well as honing skills that are needed in other courses. Nation, P. (1997). http://jalt-publications.org/tlt/files/97/may/extensive.htm www.ncssfl.org/papers/benefitssecondlanguagestudyNEA.pdf

5. Non-instructional needs • Address level differences among students • Awareness of students interest in reading materials • Motivation • Attendance • Participation • Rewards

6. Learning Environment • The reading component could take place in various venues such as; the classroom, library, computer lab, outdoors, community venues, student travel. • Second language teachers at the middle school and high school level from first-year through Advanced Placement courses. • The reading materials will be used throughout the district mandated curricula as promoted by the national standards which include culture, connections, communities, comparisons and communication.

7. Learning Environments (cont.) • Smartboards, computer labs and laptop computer carts, overhead projectors, video cameras, Internet access, TV and DVD/VHS players, document cameras, sound equipment • Are the materials school appropriate? Will the board approve the materials that supplement the benchmark? Will all students be provided with the new materials? Will they respect the new materials for lasting value? Will any cost be incurred by the students/communities?

8. Learners • All students of all abilities in all language classes. • Students who have limited access to reading materials outside of the classroom.