Teaching Methods and Assessment of English as a Second Language

Catalog description

Integration of theory, research, and practice about ESL curriculum, instructional methods, assessment, and literacy development. EDUC 469 Teaching Methods and Assessment of English as a Second Language (3) EDUC 469 is the fourth and final course in a four-course sequence designed to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) requirements for an ESL Program Specialist Certificate. The 12-credit sequence has previously been approved by PDE. The 12-credit sequence is consistent with what other PDE-approved ESL certificate programs offer. The emphasis in EDUC 469 is to learn and integrate curricular, instructional, and assessment theories and practices into the K-12 classroom setting to promote language and literacy development. The course specifically addresses three of the PDE competencies necessary for a teacher to acquire to meet the minimum requirements as an ESL Program Specialist: PDE Competency I-English usage and developing linguistic awareness; PDE Competency II-English as a Second Language-instructional materials/development; and PDE Competency III-English language learners [ELLS] language and language services knowledge. The three areas of emphasis within EDUC 469 are:a.English as a Second Language methods and collaboration with academic content areas,which focuses on: the preparation for ESL teaching by exploring trends, major theories, methodologies, and assessment in second language learning; the study of second language teaching approaches applicable to elementary and secondary students; materials development and evaluation; and the development of a broad base of knowledge and skills that will enhance teacher effectiveness in meeting the needs of diverse learners through appropriate instructional, curricular, and behavioral strategies; b.Assessment and evaluation of English Language Learners (ELLs),which explores: the use of multiple measures of assessment to evaluate academic achievement; the development and implementation of authentic assessment tools; and various approaches and challenges to classroom assessment; and c.Literacy development,which focuses on elementary and secondary ESL students by exploring ways in which to enhance English language learning in elementary students and to enrich content-area instruction for secondary ESL students.