ACAMIS English Language Learners (ELL) Conference
Saturday & Sunday, April 22-23, 2023
Beijing World Youth Academy
Theme: Evidence. Equity. Elevate
The issues related to English Language Learning within our member schools is at the top of the list of concerns about how to integrate increasingly diverse numbers of language speakers into a curriculum based largely on English as the main language of instruction.
The theme of this year’s conference is Evidence Equity Elevate. The theme focuses on the use of data to inform instruction and to ensure that each student has the support and resources to succeed and thrive.
Be sure to take this opportunity to connect with colleagues from other schools which is an enriching benefit from these gatherings and most of all, enjoy the stimulation!
Keynote Speakers
Dr Eowyn Crisfield
Oxford Brookes University
Eowyn Crisfield is a Canadian-educated specialist in teaching English as a second/foreign language, teacher-training and bilingualism. Since 2003, she has specialised in the area of parent and teacher education in multilingual schools. Eowyn is an accredited educational consultant based in Oxford, and works with schools internationally. She is also a Senior Lecturer in TESOL at Oxford Brookes University.
Douglas Prescott
Canadian International School of Beijing
A Canadian educator with 4 decades plus of experience, and currently into his 11th year in Beijing, China.
His experience includes teaching P.E, Health-Sex Education, History, Biology, English; Counselor; Athletic Director; Vice-Principal; Principal; Founding Principal, Head of School and Superintendent. He has a great depth of understanding with the Canadian and World International Baccalaureate curriculums with professional certification in IB PYP, MYP and DP programs. Mr. Prescott is a proud member of the C21 CEO Academy in Canada-a Pan-Canadian professional network of school system superintendents committed to setting Canadian standards for 21st century learning, innovation and technology.
Mr. Prescott has been a keynote presenter at schools and school districts across Beijing and China; speaking at international conferences in Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and as well in Canada. He regularly hosts groups of local teachers and principals from across Beijing for professional development and motivational talks. These talks and workshops focus on such topics as—How to Become a Great Teacher; 21st Century Skills; Ways to Become a Resilient Leader and more.
He has been recognized and presented with several awards related to his coaching, community volunteerism and professional education work as a Head of School. Mr. Prescott was elected President of the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association (NBIAA) for 2 -two-year terms, with oversight for 76 schools and seventeen interscholastic sports, representing all high schools in the province of New Brunswick, Canada.
Guest Speakers
Deborah J. Short, Ph.D.
Academic Language Research & Training, LLC.
Deborah J. Short, Ph.D. founded Academic Language Research & Training, LLC. She provides professional development on academic literacy, content-based English, and English-medium instruction worldwide. Dr. Short co-developed the research-validated SIOP Model and has directed research and evaluation studies on English language learners and educational programs. Publications include Reach Higher, Panorama, Inside, Edge, and other textbooks (National Geographic Learning/Cengage), the 6 Principles books (TESOL), SIOP Model books (Pearson), and numerous professional journal articles. She has taught ESL and EFL, in New York, California, Virginia, and the DR Congo and presented at conferences in China, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, South America, Canada, and the USA. She was TESOL International President for 2020-2021.
Learning Academic Content Through English
Using an enquiry-based approach focuses students on a big, strategic question that encourages them to make connections with what they already know, and also to work with key science or social studies concepts and language. This ‘Big Question’ sets a purpose for students to read the content-rich texts and to talk with peers in response to comprehension questions so they build a deeper understanding of the topics. Teachers can also use Big Questions as jumping off points for vocabulary, phonics, grammar, and writing instruction and provide students with opportunities to be creative while integrating their growing knowledge of the content and English through oral presentations and writing projects.
Dr Nonie K. Lesaux
Roy E. Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development
Roy E. Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Nonie K. Lesaux is Roy E. Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her research focuses on promoting the language and literacy skills of today’s children from diverse linguistic, cultural and economic backgrounds. Lesaux’s work has earned her the William T. Grant Scholars Award, and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor given by the United States government to young professionals beginning their independent research careers. Lesaux’s research appears in numerous scholarly publications, and its practical applications are featured in three books. She is also the author of a widely circulated state literacy report that forms the basis for a Third Grade Reading Proficiency bill passed in Massachusetts. She is the series editor of Lift and co-author of Reach Higher, both from National Geographic Learning.
Exploring the Shifting Literacy Needs in English Medium Instruction
Many students all over the world share the same goal: academic success in English. However, these students may not share the same background or experiences. This talk will explore how a shift to a content-based approach to English instruction and curriculum can better meet the needs of tomorrow’s global leaders.
Host School
Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) was founded in 2001 for students aged 5 to 18. As well as offering the Chinese national curriculum, BWYA also draws on advanced international educational concepts, teaching methods, and evaluation standards. We have received full authorisation from the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
BWYA is committed to cultivating lifelong learners who are knowledgeable, love local culture, and have global awareness. Over the past 20 years, we have continuously explored the integration of international programmes with the Chinese national curriculum, making remarkable achievements that have been widely recognised in the teaching industry and wider society. BWYA has had an extraordinarily positive impact on China’s international education.
北京世青国际学校是一所经北京市教育委员会批准的、可招收5至18岁中外籍学生的全日制学校,目前有来自20多个国家的学生在校学习。
北京世青国际学校创建于2001年,是一所十二年一贯制学校。在传授国家标准课程的过程中,世青借鉴国际先进的教育理念、教学方法、评估标准,将新课标国际化,先后获得国际文凭组织(IB)、剑桥大学国际考评部(CAIE)、美国西部院校联盟(WASC)等国际教育机构的授权和认证。世青致力于培养知识丰富、热爱本土文化且具有全球意识和思辨能力的终身学习者。20年来,世青不断探索国际项目与国家标准课程的融合之道,办学成就显著,得到业内及社会的高度认可,对中国国际教育具有里程碑式的积极影响。
Ms. Wang Hong
Head of School
Beijing World Youth Academy
Laiguangying West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing PRC 100012
+86 10 6470 6336
Conference Planning Committee