Project ExCEL

Expertise for Classroom Equity through Literacy (Project ExCEL) 

Project ExCEL (Expertise for Classroom Equity through Literacy) is a professional year-long learning experience for K-8 teachers to improve instruction for English language learning students.

Teachers learn how to integrate oral and written English language instruction into content area teaching, and how to build meaningful family literacy partnerships via the CRIOP framework. Professional development activities center around the CRIOP elements Classroom Relationships, Family Collaboration, Assessment, Instruction, Discourse, and Critical Consciousness.  The intensive year-long Project ExCEL professional development includes school-based coaching, face-to-face meetings, and a summer institute. Graduate coursework is offered to prepare a cadre of teacher leaders to support implementation of effective practices for ELs and serve as advocates in schools.