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. As the immigrant student population grows in the U.S., it is critical that teachers adapt to support learning and achievement for English Language Learners. 

Teachers learn how to integrate oral and written English language instruction into content area teaching, implementing instructional tools such as videos, visuals, and graphic organizers to help students learn content. 

Teachers also learn how to build meaningful family literacy partnerships via the CRIOP framework. Project ExCEL helps teachers incorporate families' "funds of knowledge" into lesson content and literacy activities. Professional development activities center around the CRIOP elements: learn more about the CRIOP here.

- Classroom Relationships

- Family Collaboration

- Assessment

- Instruction

- Discourse

- Critical Consciousness

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. Five teachers per cohort will earn a Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms.  

Listen to teacher participants reflect on their experiences with Project PLACE, Project ExCEL's precursor: https://www.uky.edu/projectplace/resources-0