Home > KnowledgeBases > The English Language Learner KnowledgeBase for Teachers > Element 2 > Activity 2

The English Language Learner KnowledgeBase for Teachers

The English Language Learner (ELL) KnowledgeBase for Teachers is an online resource supporting educators responsible for implementing programs for ELL students. It offers resources related to teaching ELL students based on Office for Civil Rights and the No Child Left Behind Act requirements.

This KnowledgeBase is currently being updated to reflect recent changes under federal law. The current version is provided for your reference as much of the information may still be relevant.

Element 1: Understand the Law

Purpose: Districts are required to take affirmative steps to address the language development of English language learners (ELLs) where the inability to speak and understand the English language prevents the students from effective participation in the district's regular education program. Element 1 addresses the legal requirements related to ELL students. Besides school leaders and staff members, these requirements must be understood by the entire school community.

Activity 1: Become Familiar with the Legal Aspects and Precedents

Activity 2: Review the No Child Left Behind Act

Task 1: Apply to Reading and Children's Literature


Guideline:

“English language and literacy development are complex processes for all students, and more so for those whose first language is not English. The processes involve the four domains of reading, writing, speaking, and listening as well as the overall skill of comprehension. These processes become even more complex for those whose native language is not English."

Tools

ReadWriteThink

This link is to ReadWriteThink, a partnership between the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the Verizon Foundation. This website includes lessons (by grades, title, or literacy connection), student materials, and resources.

References

Center for Applied Linguistics

The Center for Applied Linguistics' website provides "a comprehensive range of research-based information, tools, and resources related to language and culture."

Center on Instruction - ELL Strand

This link is to the former Center on Instruction website. As a U.S. Department of Education funded content center, "the Center on Instruction provided materials and resources to improve instruction and intervention for English Language Learners, including exemplary delivery models and professional development for teachers in content and language areas."

Colorin Colorado

This link to the Colorin Colorado website provides useful information, strategies, activities, and resources for all teachers of ELLs. This website also presents a broad series of materials useful in the implementation of a language assistance program.

Literacy Information and Communication System

This link is to the Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS). As noted at its website, "the Literacy Information and Communication System, commonly referred to as LINCS, is a national dissemination, resource gathering, and professional development system providing information on a wide variety of literacy relevant topics, issues, and resources."

National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition & Language Instruction Educational Programs

This link is to the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) website. As noted at its website, NCELA "is authorized to collect, analyze, synthesize, and disseminate information about language instruction educational programs for limited English proficient children, and related programs. Priority is given to information on academic content and English proficiency assessments and accountability systems." The NCELA website also provides national and state data, research reports, and resources related to ELLs.

Practice Guide - Effective Literacy and English Language Instruction

"This practice guide prepared for the National Center for Education Evaluation and Re­gional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences provides recommendations integrated into a coherent and comprehensive approach for improv­ing the reading achievement and English language development of English learners in the elementary grades."

Reading Rockets - English Language Learners

From Reading Rockets, "this section includes information about effective ways to teach ELL students, methods for encouraging learning, and ways to promote family involvement."

Teaching Diverse Learners

The Teaching Diverse Learners website "provides access to information publications, educational materials, and the work of experts in the field that promotes high achievement for ELLs."


 
Next

Element 2: Implement the English Language Learner Program

Purpose: School districts have broad discretion in selecting appropriate language programs, but they should consider three general questions when making a decision.

  • Is there a need to provide English language learner (ELL) services?
  • Will the ELL program meet the educational needs of ELL students effectively ?
  • Is the program approach backed by scientifically based research?

The program chosen should be considered sound by experts in the field. If a district is using a different approach, it must show it is considered a legitimate experimental strategy.

Activity 1: Investigate Approaches to English Language Learner Programs

Activity 2: Use Culturally Responsive Teaching Methodologies

Activity 3: Develop an English Language Learner Program

Element 3: Communicate With and Involve Parents

Purpose: School districts have multiple obligations under Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) requirements. Under Title III, schools receiving such funds are to ensure timely and effective notification to parents of ELL students and extend a means for them to be involved with their child's education. The OCR requirements specify districts do so in a way that ensures meaningful access to ELL students and their parents. Accordingly, schools must develop effective methods of involving parents of ELL students in their child's education. In fulfilling these responsibilities, districts should develop procedures for providing the parents of ELL students with the same information provided to the parents of their non-ELL peers in a language-appropriate manner.

Activity 1: Communicate with Parents Using Language-Appropriate Methods

Activity 2: Develop and Implement a Parent Involvement Program

Element 4: Identify and Assess Students

Purpose: A district should have procedures in place for identifying English language learner (ELL) students and assessing their English proficiency. Such procedures should involve parents in making the final determination of whether their child is placed in the district's ELL program. Parents deciding not to have their child or children participate must sign a participation waiver.

Activity 1: Develop Appropriate Student Identification and Assessment Policies

Activity 2: Identify Students Whose Primary Home Language is Other Than English (PHLOTE)

Activity 3: Ensure Assessment of Students

Element 5: Coordinate the English Language Learner Program with Other Programs

Purpose: As noted at the National Clearinghouse for English Language Aquisition (NCELA), "School districts are to provide alternative language instruction programs to children with limited English proficiency to help them develop their English language skills and meet the same state academic content and student achievement standards all students are expected to meet.

In doing so, school districts have broad discretion in selecting appropriate language programs, but should consider the following when developing their program.

  • Is there a need to provide alternative language services?
  • Will the alternative language program effectively meet the educational needs of ELL students?
  • Language instruction curricula used to teach ELL children are to be tied to scientifically-based research and demonstrated to be effective.
  • Provided by teachers certified as English language proficient.
  • Parents must be notified as to why their child is being placed in the program and have the right to have their child removed from the program."

Activity 1: Coordinate the English Language Learner Program with Other Programs

Activity 2: Conduct Program Evaluation

Element 6: Exit Students and Monitor Academic Progress

Purpose: A district should establish criteria to determine when English language learner (ELL) students qualify for exiting from the program. The exit criteria should be based on objective standards that ensure ELL students will be able to participate meaningfully and successfully in the district's regular education program.

Activity 1: Develop Appropriate Exit Policies and Procedures for the English Language Learner Program

Activity 2: Exit Students

Element 7: Provide Professional Learning

Purpose: In fulfilling the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act and the Office for Civil Rights, staff development must occur to ensure ELL students progress academically and be afforded equal educational opportunity. This includes professional learning in the following areas:

  • processes/policies for the identification and exit of ELL students for intake staff members and classroom teachers,
  • implementation of the program model for ELL program staff members,
  • strategies for working with ELL students for content teachers, and
  • assessment process for translators and staff members who will assist in Special Education.

Activity 1: Understand Policies and Procedures for Professional Learning

Activity 2: Develop and Implement a Personal Professional Learning Plan