51 - Education - ESL

This course provides an introduction to the historical, political, social and cultural issues that affect the instruction of English language learners in American schools.  The theoretical background regarding first and second language acquisition is examined, as well as the relationship between language acquisition and language learning.  Various program models using first and/or new languages are presented.  Local, state and federal policies regarding entitlement and appropriate services for English language learners are studied and evaluated in consideration of current research in the field.

This course prepares pre-service candidates to design content and language instruction for English language learners.  Historical and current program models for providing service to ELLs and accompanying pedagogy are examined.  Candidates will prepare instructional units based on these models, investigate and apply state and national standards and design appropriate assessment strategies using best practice in the instruction of English language learners. 

Language proficiency, academic achievement, mandated norm and/or criterion referenced assessments, and their appropriate uses with English language learners are considered. Fairness and equity in test selection, administration and interpretation are addressed. State and national standards for content and language proficiency and the assessment of those standards at the state and classroom levels are examined.  

The importance of culture in addressing the educational and social needs of children from a diverse background, especially English language learners (ELLs) and immigrant children are examined.  Issues related to cultural assimilation and cultural conflict are explored, as they relate to learning styles, academic and behavioral expectations. Participants will develop strategies for designing culturally relevant learning opportunities to foster the academic success of diverse groups in a multi-language, multi-ethnic learning community.  Approaches for advocating for ELLs and their families are also explored.