Lisa M. Dorner, Ph.D.

teacher, researcher, life-long learner

AERA Presentation on Multilingual School Climates

By

14 0120 LearnerProfile S

Join colleagues and I on April 12 at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meetings, as we interrogate the  climates of multi-language schools from the perspectives of students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Meeting AERA’s mission to promote research that improves education and serves the public good, we’ve put together a symposium that is designed for those interested in the culture and climate of multilingual schools: spaces where either students have multiple language backgrounds, or educational programs aim to develop bilingualism. Our symposium’s research presentations include views from diverse stakeholders who shape school climate and analysis of its key dimensions. The first two papers will explore the institutional environment and relationships at new language immersion schools, from children and parent perspectives; the next paper will examine how teachers can establish multilingual contexts for literacy learning in English-as-a-Second-Language and general-education classes, and the final one analyzes how school leaders ensure the welcome/safety of undocumented student populations. See you there!

The Power of Neighborhoods

By

neighborhood

Change is local. Join me on November 14, 2015, for the annual neighborhood conference hosted by the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations. You can still register at http://www.slaco-mo.org/conference.html. Our panel at 11 am discusses how to “Adopt Your Neighborhood School and Vice Versa!” Other panels address local government, lessons learned from Ferguson, and youth engagement. See you there!

MODLAN Meets Again

By

MODLAN-logo-orange (1)

On November 20-21, 2014, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Dr. Kim Song, colleagues, and I will host “Bridges to Dual Language Learning.” English language and bilingual teachers from across the state will have opportunities to visit The Spanish School (www.sllis.org) and join a series of workshops:

  • Dual Language Immersion Models and Reading Strategies (Marisela Rodriguez, American Reading Company)
  • Dual Language Immersion for Academic Achievement (Griselda Pirtle, ELL Director, CCSD59, Illinois)
  • Effective Language Learning Strategies
  • Biliteracy and ELLs’ Academic Language Learning

  • Immigrant Family Lives and Schools’ Responsibilities: From Federal to Local Policies

  • Co-teaching and Online Coaching for Transforming Teachers of Linguistically Diverse Students

JOIN US! For more information, please email coppersmiths @ umsl.edu.

Cambio de Colores Conference

By

Cambio

In June 2015, colleagues and I  joined together at the annual Cambio de Colores conference. New this year: an entire ‘track’ of presentations on dual language and English Learners (EL) education. I was especially excited to be part of a panel discussing the development and challenges of dual language programs in Kansas City and Carthage, Missouri and community bilingual outreach at libraries in Springfield. There is great work happening – and great needs – across the state. Join us to discuss the “cambiodecolores.org” – Change of Colors – in Missouri and the Midwest.

Presenting at the American Educational Research Association

By

lisa-dorner-a-lesson

In early April, thousands of researchers and educators will attend the annual meetings of the American Educational Research Association. This year, colleagues and I will reflect on “participatory research” with children (Saturday, April 5, 10:35 am!). While so much research is focused on children, too many educational studies are divorced from working with youth to understand their everyday perspectives and experiences. Come think with us, as we discuss the successes we’ve had and ethical challenges we’ve faced with integrating youth perspectives and energy into research. I’m also excited to be working with Jin Sook Lee (co-chair) and Melinda Martin-Beltran (discussant) to analyze language immersion schooling and its efforts to develop bilingualism, from Missouri to California, on Saturday, April 5, at 2:45 pm. See you in Philly!