Encourage students to read at or above their grade level. Assign reading assignments or set aside a reading period for students. Host book clubs or accelerated reading programs. Don't limit students to reading certain novels. Allow students to discover their interests and recommend appropriate books for them. Encourage students to use their dictionaries. Promote learning vocabularies and spelling along with their reading assignments.
Writing should not be limited to English classes. Teachers can integrate writing in the assignments by assigning interpretation or research questions. Students should be assessed in both their knowledge and language skills. Teachers should also develop rubrics to access students' writing skills. The rubrics should follow the same guidelines as the English Language Proficiency Standards that the school or the state has adopted. Communicate to the students that their writing assignments are graded at the same level as those in their English classes.
Speaking and listening skills are essential in any language, including English. These skills should also be assessed and integrated into the curriculum. Although non-native speakers, in general, have a much harder time mastering these skills, some native speakers also struggle to speak in Standard English and comprehend public or academic speeches. To integrate the English Proficiency Standards, teachers can also stress the importance of speaking and listening by promoting class presentation. Teach students public presentation skills. Encourage them to write their speeches prior to their oral presentation. Have students do self and group reflections based on students' presentations.
Integrating English Language Proficiency Standards doesn't occur overnight. Teachers should work together to make this happen. Design rubrics and discuss expectation for each grade level. Be consistent. Have multiple teachers grade the same assignment as a system of checks and balances. Follow the state or national guidelines for English Language Proficiency Standards as you move forward in integrating the standards in your classroom.