Supporting ELLs language acquisition through the use of C- Pens closes the gap between English acquisition and content knowledge. C- pens are text-to-speech reading pens. The student runs a pen over text and the pen reads the text aloud. This allows students to access grade level academic language and increase their content comprehension while acquiring English. The pen also has a built-in dictionary. If a student doesn’t know the meaning of a word they can look it up quickly. The use of C- pens will increase equity in education and access for ELLs in education, which is ingrained in the SCSD initiatives. While students are learning the mechanics of the English, utilization of the C-pens will decrease text frustration and increase comprehension. Students often develop listening and speaking skills before literacy skills. The use of C-pens with academic texts will help simultaneously build listening, speaking and reading abilities. The students will be able to hear the pronunciation of the academic language and therefore be able to use in discussion while also increasing their sign to symbol recognition of key academic vocabulary.
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