University of California, Irvine Extension Gives Orange County Teachers Money to Learn

The UC System Approves $210,000 for UC Irvine Extension To Enhance the English Language Learners Institute

IRVINE, Calif. – August 2, 2001 – UC Irvine Extension has been awarded a $210,000 grant to further support its already successful English Language Learners (ELL) Institute program. Last year, Governor Gray Davis awarded a $145 million multi-year grant to education providers across the state to support the ELL program. During this second year of funding, UC Irvine Extension's award is among the largest in the state.

The funds are designated for the professional development of Orange County teachers, as well as the development of academic content. The ELL program focuses on effective strategies for teaching students who are non-native speakers of English. As California schools continue to phase out bilingual education, teachers must find other successful methods of working with this large student population, known as English Language Learners, to help increase student achievement in all of their academic pursuits, not just in learning their new language.

"Through this program teachers will be able to offer their students a more creative yet substantial way to align English learning with state standards," said UC Irvine Extension Director of Education, Peggy Hall. "In addition, it is important that we offer proactive programs like this, instead of crash courses to keep up with the trends."

Participating teachers receive up to $1,000 in stipends from the state-funded ELL grant. In this second year of the program, UC Irvine Extension expects to train between 300-500 teachers. As a result of the grant, the program has ample room for increased enrollment in 2001.

The program has benefited teachers in the Greater Orange County area, including Long Beach, Anaheim and Irvine. Last year the UC Irvine Extension Education Division trained more than 150 elementary school teachers from the Anaheim City School District and Lowell Joint School District in the ELL program.

Loretta Davis, director of personnel for the Anaheim City School District, calls the ELL program 'the most significant training received by the district.' "UC Irvine's ELL program has proven to be an invaluable opportunity for teachers to share their knowledge and skills for a greater purpose," she added.

School administrators, resource teachers and curriculum specialists are also taking advantage of a 40 hour-intensive training held at the UCI Learning Center in Orange. This program will provide follow-up support for teachers throughout the year with professional development activities and onsite learning facilitators.

UC Irvine Extension, the continuing education segment of the University of California, Irvine, offers over 2,000 university-level professional and personal enrichment courses, including 40 certificate programs and specialized studies every year. More than 18,000 students, most who already have college degrees, attend UC Irvine Extension annually. Custom education and training programs at business sites worldwide are also available. UC Irvine approves all courses and instructors. For additional information regarding UCI Extension courses and programs, visit www.unex.uci.edu or call (949) 824-5414. To learn more about the English Language Learners program, call (949) 824-2033.