(PD Title No. EDU4499E)
Teaching Your First English Language Learners
Proficiency Level: Mastery
Subject(s):Foreign Languages,Language Arts and Reading,Guidance,Health Education,Industrial Education,Interdisciplinary,Leadership Training,Multicultural Education,Music,Parent Education,Psychology,Science,Social Science,Volunteer,Special Education,Technology,Computer Education,Mathematics,Business,Art,Career Tech,Library Media,Basic Training
Grade(s): PreK,K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,CC,Other
Hours: 30.00

Description:The number of English language learners is increasing at a rapid pace. Many classroom teachers have had little to no experience with instructional strategies to help students acquire English while at the same time teaching required content.  This course will introduce regular classroom teachers to strategies proven to be effective for Ells.  The first sessions will provide background knowledge in the concepts of social and academic language, culture in the classroom and English language proficiency standards.  The remaining class periods will explore resources, effective strategies, and classroom activities for English language learners.


Pre-requisites: This course is designed for independent study over a 6-week period one-on-one with a course facilitator, although the course can be completed in as little as 3 weeks. Enrollment is open for any start date within the three-month course window.

This is an introductory course for teachers, technology specialists, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel.  Participants are expected to have regular access to computers.  In addition, participants should be proficient with using email, browsing the Internet, and navigating to computer files.

Objectives: This course will enable participants to:

1. identify stages of second language acquisition and use the TESOL and WIDA Language Proficiency Standards to design language objectives for all learners.

2. use effective strategies for acquisition of English and content for English language learners.

3. identify and select academic vocabulary and English for specific purposes and develop academic language/vocabulary building activities in the classroom for Ells and ALL learners.

4. share on-line resources with class members that can be used to support the development of skills as teachers of Ells.

5. participate in course discussion forums about effective strategies for English language learners by sharing thoughts and experiences connected to course readings and activities.