Title:
Common Core Standards and the English Language Learner:
Equal Access Guidelines, Frameworks, Processes
and Strategies

Presented by Jo Gusman

JO GUSMAN grew up in a Spanish speaking farm-working family who experienced the challenges that non-English speakers face in the United States. Based on her childhood experiences as a “limited English speaker”, she truly understands the complexities and multiple variables that surround the English language learner. Jo began her teaching career in 1974 as a bilingual instructional assistant, and later attended California State University, Sacramento where she received her Bilingual Cross-Cultural teaching credential and Masters. Jo was a Bilingual Education teacher for many years, and in 1981 her career led her to the nationally known Newcomer School, where Jo worked in a multilingual setting with refugee and immigrant K-8 students. It is there where she developed her many brain-based ESL strategies. Because of her extensive experience and exceptional work with English language learners, she has been featured on national television, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including President Ronald Reagan’s recognition for teaching excellence. Presently, Jo provides educators, students, parents, and policy makers with professional development language and literacy seminars throughout the world.

Enhancing What We're Doing to Get Ready for the Smarter Balanced Assessments

Panel Members

• Tony Alpert, COO, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
• Abe Krisst, CSDE
• Karen Kaplan, Hamden Public Schools
• Kris Irvine, Bristol Public Schools
• Rob Miller, New Canaan Public Schools

Panel Moderator: Tony Alpert