course material

1. Assessment Description An asset-based approach to teaching focuses on
the
Assessment DescriptionAn asset-based approach to teaching focuses on the strengths of
students and recognizes they come to the learning process with knowledge, backgrounds,
and experiences that can contribute to their continued learning and growth. Teachers who
take the time to gather information on their ELLs and tap into their funds of knowledge can
design effective instruction that builds on their rich cultural and linguistic resources.Part 1:
Mentor InterviewInterview your mentor teacher about how information is gathered on
ELLs and used to leverage their cultural and linguistic assets. Include the following in your
interview:What are examples of cultural and linguistic assets or funds of knowledge your
ELLs possess?How do you collect ELL student data and information related to their
knowledge, backgrounds, experiences, and interests? What type of student
data/information do you have access to when you have a new student that is an ELL? How
might student data/information differ based on special population or ELL typology (e.g.,
newcomer, student with limited or interrupted formal education, refugee, long-term English
learner)?What laws or special considerations for your state or school district must you
adhere to regarding the collection and use of student data/information?What are examples
of how you use ELL student data/information in your classroom to build on the background
knowledge of your ELLs?How do you use multicultural or multilingual resources in your
classroom to connect ELLs to the curriculum and what benefits have you seen from their
use?How do you cultivate an understanding of the larger community that your ELLs belong
to in order to develop an asset-based perspective?How do you support other teachers and
staff in developing an asset-based approach to teaching and working with ELLs?Part 2:
Inventory Tool and Mentor DiscussionWith your mentor, review and identify inventory
tools for evaluating culturally responsive curriculum or multicultural resources in a
classroom or school library (e.g., textbook Figure 6.6 Assessing Multicultural Resources
Tool, Culturally Responsive Curriculum Scorecard in topic Resources, a tool found online or
provided by your mentor teacher).Collaborate with your mentor to select and complete an
inventory tool and discuss areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in ensuring
the curriculum is culturally responsive or multicultural resources in the classroom or school
are accessible to students.Part 3: ReflectionIn 250-500 words, reflect on your mentor
interview and the time spent evaluating resources in collaboration with your mentor
teacher. Include the following in your reflection:How you plan to collect and use student

2. data and background information to learn about the personal, cultural, and linguistic assets
of your ELLs and tap into their funds of knowledge.Key criteria you will look for to ensure
curriculum or resources are culturally responsive and leverage the backgrounds of ELLs in
your classroom/school.