TranslateTallk (Teachers Acquiring Language Learner Knowledge)
The Tallk project provides preschool teachers with training and coaching in specific strategies for interacting with English learner children to support language acquisition. Tallk is based on the research-demonstrated best practice of providing adult education through a combination of information sharing followed by coaching. The goal is to support language development among preschoolers in their home language and in English.
The project serves state-funded preschools and child development centers in the identified school readiness zone in Sonoma County. A large percentage of the children served in these programs are from families that speak Spanish at home. The project endeavors to build language skills in both English and the students’ home language, recognizing that skills learned in both languages will support the children’s literacy development.
Accepted to the Portfolio: June 2016
Target Outcomes
Short Term Outcomes
- Increased teacher knowledge and use of skills and strategies to work with English Language Learners
- Improve the quality of interactions between teachers and students
- Increase in English Language Acquisition among children
- Increase in home language among children
Long Term Outcomes
- Increase in the high school graduation rate for these students
- Increase in enrollment in college or trade school
- Every child becoming a contributing member of society.
- Decrease in the poverty rate for this same population
Target Population
Demographics
- Early Childhood (0 - 5)
- Adult (25 - 60)
Service Area
County-wide:
- Southeast (District 1)
- Southwest (District 2)
- Central (District 3)
- Northeast (District 4)
- Northwest (District 5)
Information
Program Funders
Many thanks to the following funders for making this program possible.
Local Funders
- First 5 Sonoma County
Program Implementers
The following organizations implement this program locally:
