Writing Model Performance Indicators (MPIs)

How would you define Model Performance Indicators? A scaffolded objective within the WIDA Standard using language and content. My definition your definition our definition. More than 1000 MPIs—examples (models) of assessable language skills Reflect the second language acquisition process Describe how students can use the language Provide the anchors for curriculum, instruction, and assessment

The Model Performance Indicator (MPI) consists of three elements: Elements of Model Performance Indicators The Model Performance Indicator (MPI) consists of three elements: The language function describes how students use language to demonstrate their proficiency The content stem/topic specifies the context for language instruction, derived from state content standards The support includes instructional strategies or tools used to assist students in accessing content necessary for communication; can be sensory, graphic, or interactive As mentioned previously, each MPI consists of three main elements: language function, topic, and type of support. 4

Organization of MPIs within Standards When we have a developmental horizontal row of MPI, across the 5 levels of language proficiency, and within the same domain, it is called a “Strand”. 5

Instructional Support Elements of MPIs Language Function Follow oral directions using manipulatives and illustrated examples in order to design area maps . An example MPI from Grade: 3 Standard 3: The Language of Mathematics Proficiency Level: 3 Instructional Support Content Stem

Purpose of Communication Language Function Language Function Structures/Grammar Purpose of Communication Language functions refer to the purposes in which we use language to communicate. We use language for a variety of formal and informal purposes. We use specific grammatical structures and vocabulary are often used with each language function. Some examples of language functions in Social and Instructional language include: Giving instructions making requests introducing ourselves In the Language of Language Arts, Science, Social Studies or Math: describing processes Comparing, contrasting and classifying objects or ideas In addition to functional vocabulary, students must also be introduced to grammatical structures associated with each language function. For example, when teaching the language function of compare/contrast, teachers might teach comparative adjectives (i.e., smaller than, more expensive than, etc.) or superlative adjectives (i.e., smallest, most expensive). ----- Meeting Notes (5/8/13 20:16) ----- What are some examples of language functions? Vocabulary

Examples of content stems: Context for language instruction Content standards Bonds and Reactions Style and Tone Force and Motion Government Structures Specifies context for language instruction; derived from  content standards.  Have teachers brainstorm other examples of content stems. For example: Bonds and reactions; style and tone; force and motion;  government structures

Support Examples Linguistic Support Sensory, graphic, or interactive resources embedded in instruction and assessment that help students construct meaning from language and content Instructional supports illustrate the importance of scaffolding language development for ELLs, at least through level 4. WIDA categorizes supports as sensory, graphic, or interactive, with some examples of each provided in the table. These can be found the in the 2007 Edition of the WIDA ELP Standards.

Content-Specific Supports

Purpose of MPIs Anchors curriculum instruction and assessment Provide examples of assessable language skills Reflect the second language acquisition process Describe how students can use the language Anchors curriculum instruction and assessment 12 12

Your Turn Take 3 ESOL objectives and re-write them using the MPI format.  Label each part of the MPI. Objectives Written by BCPS ESOL Teachers - http://tinyurl.com/objmpi to access the link.

Reflection How do you see using MPIs impacting language development and instruction? 

Additional Resources The WIDA English Language Development Standards and Resource Guide – available on wida.us website. Academic Language Functions