Acquisition Academy: Dallas, June 2023

Acquisition Academy

The Comprehensible Classroom is coming to Dallas! This June, join Elicia Cárdenas and a team of instructional coaches for a three day workshop on Acquisition Driven Instruction.

About Acquisition Academy

The transition away from designing language courses based on a traditional grammar syllabus requires a shift in thinking as well as a shift in instruction. In this workshop, attendees will consider both the theoretical basis for Proficiency Oriented, Comprehension Based™ teaching and its practical application. Attendees will explore these concepts through interactive demonstrations, engaging lectures, and instructional coaching.

Attendees can register for the full 3-day workshop (Intro to Acquisition Driven Instruction + Beyond the Basics), or they can register for Days 2-3 only (Beyond the Basics).

Attendees that have already attended a Comprehensible Classroom training, such as Acquisition Boot Camp or a Teaching for Acquisition Workshop, may choose to register for the full Academy as a refresher or for the Beyond the Basics portion of this workshop. Teachers that have never attended a Comprehensible Classroom training or other extended, multi-day ADI-focused training should register for the full three days of the academy.

Introduction to Acquisition June 22

The first day of the workshop will be focused on building a foundational knowledge of the what, why, and how of teaching for acquisition. It will be focused on theory and classroom practice, and participants will have the opportunity to experience first-hand a variety of strategies and activities that they can use in their classroom.

Introduction to Assessment June 23

On our second day, we will take a deep dive into standards-based assessment practices for a comprehension based classroom, examine and discuss relevant research pertaining to language acquisition and assessment, see examples of practical assessment solutions, and delve into grading practices that increase motivation, decrease bias, and promote equity.

Classroom Cooperation, Engagement, and Differentiation June 24

Day three begins with a deep dive into classroom engagement and cooperation in an acquisition driven classroom, followed by the opportunity to practice your new skills under the guidance of an experienced coach. Academy students will also have the opportunity to explore some solutions for differentiation in an acquisition driven classroom.

Special feature: Instructional Coaching June 23 and June 24

The Comprehensible Classroom is thrilled to provide an opportunity for attendees to receive instructional coaching from trained, expert coaches. On Days 2 and 3 of the Academy (June 23 and June 24), attendees will be divided into small groups and paired with an instructional coach. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice the skills and techniques from the workshop with the guidance of an instructional coach. While all attendees will attend coaching sessions, they will have the option to participate actively as the teacher being coached or to learn through observation.

The leadership at The Comprehensible Classroom firmly believes that Coaching is one of the best ways for teachers to hone their practice, and we are very pleased to host this opportunity for teachers within the Acquisition Academy.

Are you an Acquisition Boot Camp Graduate?

If you have already attended Acquisition Boot Camp, Teaching and Assessing for Acquisition, or a multi-day conference such as iFLT or NTPRS, we are offering the option for you to register for the last two days of the Academy only.

Acquisition Academy Schedule

Introduction to Acquisition*

• Thursday, June 22
• 8:00 Check in
• 8:30 - 4:30
• Lunch Provided

Introduction to Assessment

• Friday, June 23
• 8:30- 4:30
• Lunch provided

Classroom Cooperation, Engagement, and Differentiation

• Saturday, June 24
• 8:30 - 4:30
• Lunch Provided

*Have you already received an introduction to acquisition driven instruction through participation in Acquisition Boot Camp, Teaching for Acquisition, or a multi-day training such as NTPRS or IFLT in an intermediate or advanced cohort? You have the option to sign up for just the last 2 days of the Acquisition Academy.

Who is this workshop for?

• Teachers who are new to teaching for language acquisition with a focus on comprehension and are interested to learn more
• Teachers who are already using Comprehension-based methods of teaching language
• Teachers who are currently using a Comprehension-based curriculum
• Teachers who are looking to incorporate more acquisition-focused methods into an existing scope and sequence
• Teachers who want to learn what assessment looks like in an acquisition-focused teaching model
• Teachers who are seeking live instructional coaching to hone their practice

Acquisition Academy Registration Includes: $300.00

• Intro to Acquisition (June 22)
• Intro to Assessment (June 23)
• Classroom Cooperation, Engagement, and Differentiation (June 24)
• Coaching
• Daily boxed lunch

ABC Graduates: June 23 & 24 only: $250.00

• Intro to Assessment (June 23)
• Classroom Cooperation, Engagement, and Differentiation (June 24)
• Coaching
• Daily boxed lunch

Travel and lodging is NOT included.

Graduate Credit:

Graduate credit (1-3 credit hours) can be earned by completing additional reading and classwork outside of sessions, depending on how many days you chose to attend.

Please note:

To register for graduate credit, you must register with the University of the Pacific and pay an additional fee.

For more information and to see the credit requirements, please visit this web page and select the course Acquisition Academy: 3 day in-person training or Acquisition Academy, Beyond the Basics: 2 day in-person training

Hotel Block Information:

Need Lodging?

We recommend booking a room at either of the following hotels, both of which we have secured a Group Block Rate:

AC Hotel by Marriot Dallas by The Galleria

To reserve with our Group Rate, please follow this link.

*breakfast not included

- or -

Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas by The Galleria

To reserve with our Group Rate, please follow this link.

*breakfast included

We have only a limited number of rooms reserved at each of these hotels for June 21-June 25. Please book early to secure your room at the group rate.

Uber is available in the area for transportation between lodging and the event venue.

FAQ

Is this suitable for Elementary?

-This workshop will be focused on secondary classrooms (middle and high school), but elementary teachers are welcome to join us.

Is this workshop suitable for me if I don't teach Spanish?

-Yes! All are welcome! Elicia has experience working with teachers of a variety of different languages, including Mandarin Chinese, and the content of the workshop will be relevant.

Is this workshop suitable for me if I don't teach with Somos, Nous Sommes, or Sumus?

-Yes! Elicia will be using demonstration lessons from a variety of free and created resources rather than demonstrations from the Somos family of curricula.

Can I earn credits or hours for attending this workshop?

Yes, workshop attendees will receive a certificate of participation for either 14 or 21 hours of Continuing Education (depending on attendance). Attendees will also have the option to register for one to three Graduate Credits through University of the Pacific. Attendees may choose to register for the credits after they have registered for the workshop and for an additional fee of $62.00 per credit.

*Refund Requests will not be granted after June 1, 2023.