Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners

Catalog description

English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction aims to provide English Language Learners (ELLs) with social, cultural, and basic and academic language skills to improve their academic achievement. Granted that the developmental goals of ELL?s language and academic skills are inseparably interdependent, ESL instruction cannot be perceived as the sole responsibility of ESL specialists. This course aims to support pre-service content area teachers in developing adequate level of competency in addressing the special needs of linguistically and culturally diverse learners in their classes. It also prepares pre-service content area teachers to work with ESL professionals on various levels. The course provides them with basic knowledge and skills appropriate and effective instructional experience for the ELL population. It also focuses on how content area teachers can make accommodations, adaptations, and modifications in their instructional planning and implementation to create an inclusive instructional environment for all learners. In light of PDE requirements, the course covers content related to the five TESOL standards, including: language, culture, instruction, assessment, and professionalism.