Module 1.1: Introduction to Canvas

This Canvas course houses an array of presentations, videos, readings, and additional resources. Content is organized into modules. Each module focuses on a specific topic related to the Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners (OPTEL). All modules are derived from content in the OPTEL User Guide (https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ml/documents/opteluserguide.docx Links to an external site.), which supports educators using the OPTEL tool to observe and evaluate EL students’ English language proficiency.

Below are brief descriptions of the topics and subtopics in each module.

Module 1: Introduction to Canvas (this module)

Provides an overview of the content in this Canvas course.

Module 2: Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners Context and Overview

2.1: The Power and the Promise of the OPTEL. Summarizes the “why” behind the OPTEL, including an overview of relevant federal and state policy.

2.2: OPTEL Structure. Reviews the main components of the first three pages of the OPTEL.

Module 3: A Deeper Dive into the Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners

3.1: Unpacking Extent Terms (Substantial, Moderate, Light, and Minimal). A deep dive into terms in the OPTEL performance levels and performance level descriptors related to extent of support.

3.2: Unpacking Frequency Terms (Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Consistently). A deep dive into terms in the OPTEL performance levels and performance level descriptors related to frequency.

3.3: Unpacking Terms in Receptive and Expressive Skills. A deep dive into key terms in the OPTEL including construct meaning, grade-level complex texts, a level of parity with English proficient grade-level peers and expresses grade-level ideas effectively.

Module 4: Rating and Evidence Collection

4.1: Rating Performance Levels. Step-by-step guidance around using the OPTEL to rate students’ performance levels. Includes video clips for rating practice.

4.2: Observation Evidence: “What Did You Consider to Mark This Level?”. Explicit guidance around documenting classroom observation evidence to support OPTEL ratings.

4.3: Video Clips for Rating Calibration. A bank of video clips showing instruction across grade levels and content areas. Useful for additional rating practice.

4.4: Comparing Levels on the OPTEL, English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), and English language development (ELD) Proficiency Levels. Provides critical information for users looking to clarify the relationship between the OPTEL, the ELPAC, and the ELD Standards.

Module 5: Implementing the Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners in Integrated and Designated English Language Development Classrooms

5.1 Why the ELD Standards are Essential for Meaningful OPTEL Implementation. Explicit information about the relationship between the ELD Standards, the English language proficiency continuum, and the OPTEL.

5.2: The OPTEL in All Classrooms: A Collective Commitment to English Language Learners. Explores how the OPTEL requires classroom settings and instructional activities that provide English learner (EL) students with multiple opportunities to use language while engaged in rigorous, grade-level activities.

5.3: The OPTEL and Formative Assessment. Builds capacity for using the OPTEL to collect information on student progression in English language proficiency throughout a semester or school year.

Module 6: Building Capacity and Systems Considerations

6.1: From Theory to Practice, Leading with Impact: Practical Strategies for Multilingual Program Coordinators. Features recorded interviews with leaders across California on how they are implementing the OPTEL.

6.2: Systems Implementation Flow Chart. A concrete tool for systems-level leaders implementing the OPTEL in their local contexts.

Module 7: Centering Families’ Voices in Students’ Education

7.1: The OPTEL and Parent Consultation. Materials to support local educational agencies (LEAs) envision OPTEL use in the context of parent consultation, for both reclassification decisions and, more broadly, on student growth and performance towards English language proficiency.

7.2: Meaningful Communication with Parents and Caregivers. Additional resources to support LEAs engage meaningfully with parents/caregivers of EL students. Includes a sample script LEAs can use with parents/caregivers for parent consultation for reclassification decisions.

Module 8: Supporting Dually Identified Learners

Materials to support OPTEL use in California’s inclusive classrooms and with multilingual learners with exceptional needs (“dually identified students” or EL students with disabilities).

Module 9: Additional Resources for Local Educational Agencies

Hub to share educator-created materials. Educators are encouraged to peruse materials here, add their own, and reach out to others to discuss implementation.