Squads
A Squad is a small group of teachers with the same level of experience with Comprehensible Input (CI) and Acquisition-Driven Instruction (ADI). Each Squad is led by a Squad Captain, who works closely with Squad Mentors and conference organizers to provide the targeted, level-appropriate training you need to progress to the next level.
What's in each Squad? Read on to find out! If you have any questions or hesitations about choosing your Squad, contact us at [email protected].
Squad 1: Foundations in CI/ADI
In this introductory squad, participants will explore the core principles of Comprehensible Input (CI) and Acquisition-Driven Instruction (ADI). Ideal for those new to these approaches, Squad 1 focuses on establishing a solid foundation in the theory and practice of language acquisition. Through practical strategies, participants will learn how to engage students, personalize lessons, and create a classroom environment that fosters natural language development. Join us to discover how CI/ADI transforms language learning into a more meaningful, interactive experience.
What is CI?
If you aren't sure what CI is, or if you just need a quick refresher, check out this short video!
What will be learned and practiced?
This squad focuses on building foundational skills for language acquisition. Topics include:
- Understanding language acquisition theory
- Strategic questioning and follow-up techniques
- Personalizing instruction for individual learners
- Tailoring language to match student proficiency
- Integrating target language culture in lessons
- Scaffolding input for comprehension
- Lesson planning and sequencing strategies
- Building a positive classroom culture
- Using images and videos effectively
- Shared writing techniques
- Embedded reading strategies
- Formative and summative assessment
What prior knowledge is needed?
No prior knowledge is required—this squad is designed for beginners or those looking to brush up or deepen their understanding of foundational concepts.
Squad 2A: Expanding CI/ADI Practice
Squad 2A is a step up from the foundational skills of Squad 1, guiding participants through more advanced applications of CI/ADI techniques. Designed for educators with an understanding of and some experience with these methods, this squad delves into lesson planning, differentiation, and metacognition. Participants will learn to refine their questioning strategies, provide targeted feedback to students, and foster deeper student engagement. Whether you're looking to strengthen your classroom practices in ADI or take your ability to teach for acquisition to the next level, Squad 2A offers the tools to elevate your instruction.
What will be learned and practiced?
Building on foundational skills, this squad dives into advanced applications, including:
- Designing communicative tasks for meaningful interaction
- Backward planning from content to guide lessons
- Differentiating instruction for diverse learners
- Supporting student metacognition and self-reflection
- Providing effective assessment and feedback
- Incorporating playfulness in learning activities
- Using higher-order questioning techniques
- Creating literacy tasks to build language skills
What prior knowledge is needed?
This squad builds on an understanding of:
- The role of comprehensible input in language acquisition
- The impact of affect and stress on learning
- Strategic questioning methods, such as Circling
- Personalizing content to meet students' needs
- Tailoring teacher language to learners' levels
Squad 2B: CI/ADI for Young Learners
Squad 2B is tailored specifically for educators with some or a lot of experience with CI/ADI who work with K–6 students. This squad adapts the core principles of CI/ADI to the unique needs of young learners, ensuring that language acquisition is playful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. Participants will explore strategies for designing lessons that are both communicative and literacy-focused, while differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs. If you're an elementary teacher looking to bring more CI/ADI into your classroom, this squad offers practical, age-appropriate tools to help your students thrive. If you consider yourself brand-new to CI/ADI and teach elementary, then Squad 1 is likely a better fit for you.
What will be learned and practiced?
Designed for K–6 educators, this squad focuses on adapting CI/ADI techniques to younger learners. Topics include:
- Advanced applications of foundational CI/ADI topics
- Designing communicative tasks for elementary students
- Backward planning and content-focused instruction
- Differentiating instruction for varied learning needs
- Supporting young learners' metacognition
- Providing age-appropriate assessment and feedback
- Incorporating playful learning techniques
- Developing higher-order questioning for young learners
- Literacy tasks tailored for early education
What prior knowledge is needed?
This squad builds on an understanding of:
- Comprehensible Input strategies in language acquisition
- Managing affect and stress in the classroom
- Strategic questioning tailored to young learners
- Personalizing content for early language development
- Tailoring instruction to meet students at their developmental level
Squad 3A: Mastery and Leadership in CI/ADI
As the final tier in the squad progression, Squad 3A is crafted for experienced educators who are ready to lead their classrooms and peers in the application of CI/ADI. This squad focuses on developing adaptive teaching techniques, conducting self-assessments, and effectively communicating language acquisition principles to others. Participants will also explore advanced instructional strategies that maximize student engagement and proficiency growth. If you're prepared to take on a leadership role in your CI/ADI journey, Squad 3A provides the expertise to help you succeed.
What will be learned and practiced?
This squad focuses on advanced techniques and leadership in the classroom, including:
- Adapting lessons in real-time
- Communicating second language acquisition principles to others
- Conducting teacher self-assessments for improvement
What prior knowledge is needed?
This squad builds on advanced skills, including:
- Comprehensible Input strategies in language acquisition
- Managing affect and stress in the classroom
- Extending classroom interactions through strategic questioning
- Personalizing content to enhance student engagement
- Incorporating playfulness into interactions
- Designing lessons with proficiency-based goals
- Using texts and content to foster cultural competence and interaction
- Proficiency-oriented assessment techniques
Squad 3B: Mastery and Leadership in CI/ADI for Teachers of Levels 3, 4, and Beyond
This squad focuses on the same skills as Squad 3A but will apply those skills specifically to teaching advanced language levels 3, 4, and higher. As the final tier in the squad progression, Squad 3B is crafted for experienced educators who are ready to lead their classrooms and peers in the application of CI/ADI. Participants will also explore advanced instructional strategies that maximize student engagement and proficiency growth. If you're prepared to take on a leadership role in your CI/ADI journey and teach levels 3, 4, and beyond, then Squad 3B provides the expertise to help you succeed.
What will be learned and practiced?
This squad focuses on advanced techniques and leadership in the classroom. Topics include:
- Adapting lessons in real-time
- Communicating second language acquisition principles to others
- Conducting teacher self-assessments for improvement
What prior knowledge is needed?
This squad builds on advanced skills, including:
- Comprehensible Input strategies in language acquisition
- Managing affect and stress in the classroom
- Extending classroom interactions through strategic questioning
- Personalizing content to enhance student engagement
- Incorporating playfulness into interactions
- Designing lessons with proficiency-based goals
- Using texts and content to foster cultural competence and interaction
- Proficiency-oriented assessment techniques
