The Technology Enhanced Elementary Spanish Program (TEESP)is a three-year collaborative effort by ESU #16, ESU #15 and area schools. The program is funded by a FLAP (Foreign Language Assistance Program) grant.
To access the podcasts, click on the 'blog' link at the top right of this page.
Project Information
The project design was developed by a team of high school Spanish teachers. Known as the WLLC team (World Language Learning Community) team these teachers have worked together for several years to improve the teaching strategies in language education for area schools. They have all participated in various professional development opportunities, including Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) with Susan Gross and Karen Rowan, and Literacy Strategies delivered by staff from Nebraska Department of Education, World Languages Department.
Year One (2007 - 2008) of the project was devoted to curriculum development, lesson design and assessment planning. The WLLC adopted a curriculum, and produced lessons based on TPRS methodology. Lesson activities were recorded in enhanced podcasts (audio and images). Assessment plans for student learning were developed with Dr. Lee Jenkins using the From L to J Continuous Improvement Model. Evaluation plans for the grant activities were developed with Lisa Knoche, University of Lincoln Research Center, who is also serving as project evaluator.
Year Two (2008 - 2009) involves the implementation of the project into five area schools. Grades 1 - 6 will implement the lessons and activities using the podcasts prepared by the WLLC Team. The project was designed to assist small schools with limited budgets a way to integrate Spanish language learning into elementary classrooms where the elementary teachers have little or no experience with the Spanish language. Weekly lessons and activities are scheduled with periodic assessment of student learning.
Year Three (2009- 2010) will add five more schools to the project, while continuing the project with the first five schools. Additional lessons and podcasts will be prepared by the WLLC team, as the original lessons are reviewed and revised according to feedback from the teachers and students.