Language develops most powerfully when it is in the context of building knowledge and interacting with the world. The intersection of science and ELD instruction lands squarely in the NGSS science and engineering practices—in the doing of science. Students are also “doing language” by asking questions, planning investigations, developing models, constructing explanations, and engaging in argumentation. 

The equitable engagement in these practices supports the fundamental goal and principles of the CA ELD standards—using language in meaningful and relevant ways. This session will explore effective distance learning strategies that support this goal.

This topic will be presented by Claudio Vargas, who is currently an educational consultant with Sci-Lingual Education. He provides NGSS professional learning to districts and schools with a focus on supporting Multilingual Learners with language and literacy development. 

Prior to this, Mr. Vargas held many other positions such as Coordinator of K-12 Science Programs at the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), Director of the Bay Area Science Project at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, bilingual K-5 teacher, science coach and a researcher at the School of Pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco. Mr. Vargas has developed and led numerous professional learning programs throughout California, Portland, Texas, and Central America.