![](/media/lmuschoolofeducation/centersandinstitutes/ceel/images/diagram2.jpg)
Observation Protocol for Academic Literacies (OPAL)
The OPAL is a research-based and validated classroom observation tool designed specifically to support teachers of English Learners. CEEL’s three-day OPAL Institute cultivates the abilities of teachers in refining and implementing reflective instructional practices for prek-12th grade English Learners in their schools/districts.
Attendees will:
- Build expertise in identifying effective practices for English Learners across a variety of instructional program types and multilingual settings,
- Learn how to identify topics for differentiated professional development based on OPAL observations, and
- Learn how to use the observation instrument with reliability and validity.
To learn more see this Multilingual Educator article featuring our program.
![](/media/lmuschoolofeducation/centersandinstitutes/ceel/images/OPAL_Cover.jpg)
Following decades of research and countless OPAL Institutes, Drs. Lavadenz and Armas have published 'The Observation Protocol for Academic Literacies: A Tool for Building Expertise for Teachers of English Learners' which provides real-world classroom examples and processes for preK-12 teachers of English Learners to engage in rich dialogue and reflection to ensure equitable and deep learning for their students.
Upcoming Professional Development
OPAL Training Institute - October 2024
The Center for Equity for English Learners is offering a 3-session OPAL training on October 9, October 30, and December 4, 2024. Our OPAL Institute is designed for teams of district/school leaders, site administrators, teachers, mentors/coaches, and English Learners Specialists and features our latest research-based classroom observation tools aligning to California and National Teaching Standards (CSTP/NBPTS).
For more information about our upcoming program, please see our flyer.
If interested in customizing an OPAL Institute for your organization, contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss our different models.
To register for Center updates please complete our Interest Form.