March 2013 saw a very productive month filled with presentations, writing, and networking focused on the topic of serving English learners. Diane and Ayanna attended TESOL International Association’s convention and language expo in Dallas, TX. While in Dallas, they met with several publishers, clients, and colleagues to discuss current projects and future opportunities.

In Dallas, Diane led a workshop to guide institutions of higher education (IHEs) seeking to accredit their ESL teacher certification programs through the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). More than thirty IHEs from across the nation as well as the United Arab Emirates attended the workshop.

In addition, Ayanna and Diane made several presentations at TESOL International Association’s convention and language expo. Their work focused on preparing teachers of ELs, assessment, Black English learners, diversity, academic language, and advocacy for ELs.

• Baecher, L., Staehr Fenner, D., & Micek, T. (2013, March). Developing the edTPA: Challenges and responses. (2013, March). Paper presented at the 47^th Annual TESOL Convention and Language Expo, Dallas, TX.
• Cooper, A. & Brussese, C. (2013, March). Teen Voices, Black ESOL Students Share Their Stories. Paper presented at TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo, Dallas, TX.
• Cooper, A. et al. (2013, March). Promoting Diversity in the TESOL Family: Issues and Challenges. Paper presented at TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo, Dallas, TX.
• Ernst-Slavit, G., Zacarian, D., & Staehr Fenner, D. Academic language for academic success of English Language Learners. (2013, March). Paper presented at the 47^th Annual TESOL Convention and Language Expo, Dallas, TX.
• Staehr Fenner, D., Bright, A., Day, C., Pappamihiel, E., Thibeault, C., & Waring, S. (2013, March). The TESOL Professional Standards for P-12 Teachers. Paper presented at the 47^th Annual TESOL Convention and Language Expo, Dallas, TX.
• Staehr Fenner, D., de Oliveira, L., & Linville, H. Advocating for ELLs in the classroom and beyond. (2013, March). Paper presented at the 47^th Annual TESOL Convention and Language Expo, Dallas, TX.

Ayanna and Diane added content in several areas of expertise to the Colorin Colorado website.

• Senior Associate Ayanna Cooper was interviewed for the Colorin Colorado website. Read her informative interview here that focuses on her experience as an expert educator of Black ELLs: https://www.colorincolorado.org/fromtheheart/56242/

• Diane wrote the following blogs for Colorin Colorado on implementing the Common Core for English learners:
  • Meeting the CCSS Needs of Young Dual Language Learners
  • ELLs are Everyone’s Kids: The Role of Collaboration in the CCSS
  • Common Core Math for English Language Learners