Question 1

How does simplified language in directions affect the academic rigor of the task?

Accepted Answer

Language simplification and academic rigor are independent dimensions. A direction step that says 'Write three reasons that support your opinion. Use evidence from the text for each reason.' has the same academic expectation as a more complex phrasing, it is simply more accessible. The generator simplifies the language of the directions while preserving the full cognitive and academic expectation of the task. ELL students who receive accessible directions produce work that demonstrates their actual academic ability rather than their current English proficiency.

Question 2

What home languages does the bilingual direction set support?

Accepted Answer

The generator produces bilingual direction sets in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Somali, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, and other major ELL home languages represented in US schools. The teacher specifies the language and the generator produces both versions simultaneously. For less common languages, the generator produces a simplified English version and flags where a school interpreter could assist with verbal explanation of key steps.

Question 3

How does the done-when checklist work for students with limited reading ability in English?

Accepted Answer

For early-proficiency ELL students, the done-when checklist uses the simplest possible English phrases paired with visual icons, a checkmark icon next to 'I wrote three sentences.' The checklist items describe observable physical outputs rather than quality judgments, which are harder to evaluate in a second language. The teacher can also produce the checklist in the home language for students who cannot yet read English at the level required to self-assess.

Question 4

Can the generator create directions for assessments that ELL students take with accommodations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The generator produces assessment directions that include standard accommodations for ELL students: extended time notation, glossary availability note, language support specification. For state assessments that permit specific accommodations, the teacher can specify the accommodation level and the generator will produce directions that note the accommodations without altering the assessment format in ways that would invalidate results.

Clear Directions Generator for English Language Learners

How Teachers Use the Clear Directions Generator for English Language Learners

Plain-Language Step Generation

Bilingual Direction Sets

Key Vocabulary Pre-Teaching Lists

Frequently Asked Questions

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