Foundations of Instruction for Limited English Proficient Students

This course introduces students to the historical, legal, and theoretical frameworks of education for second language learners in the United States. It also identifies effective instructional models and teaching practices and defines aspects of multicultural education that impact the development of programs for second language learners.

Topics and Objectives

Foundations of ESL/BLE Education

• Define bilingual (BLE) and English as a second language (ESL) educational principles and philosophies.
• Identify cultural, social, linguistic, and academic issues of second language learners.
• Define ESL/BLE terminology.

Historical and Legal Background

• Review the historical aspects of education for second language learners.
• Examine federal Title VII legislation.
• Identify key legislation impacting education of second language learners.
• Examine the role of the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and legislation on the establishment of federally funded programs for second language learners.

Components of State and Federal ESL/BLE Programs

• Identify current federal and state policies impacting ESL/BLE programs.
• Compare and contrast ESL/BLE instructional models.
• Identify the process for placement of ESL/BLE students into language minority programs.

Methodologies and Techniques of Teaching

• Compare and contrast passive versus active learning.
• Develop students' prior knowledge.
• Identify cooperative learning strategies that effectively facilitate second language acquisition.
• Discuss current approaches that integrate art, music, and technology into instruction for second language learners.
• Analyze the characteristics of a language rich environment.

Language Acquisition Theories

• Review language learning theories and principles.
• Identify stages of language acquisition.
• Compare and contrast social and academic language acquisition.
• Examine issues that impact language acquisition.
• Review traditional and current approaches to instruction.

Cultural Diversity

• Examine the evolution of bilingualism/biculturalism in the United States.
• Discuss ways to incorporate cultural themes into ESL/BLE curriculum.
• Identify the role of culture in student achievement.

Content Area Instruction

• Review achievement of second language learners in content areas.
• Examine the use of a thematic approach to content area instruction.
• Explain the role of culture in math and science.
• Identify the multiple perspectives of social studies.
• Examine effective methods and strategies for instruction.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Examine purposes of assessment in BLE/ESL programs.
• Identify role of assessment for individual students.
• Consider authentic assessment issues.
• Define markers of academic success.

Bilingual Special Education

• Examine overrepresentation of language minority students in special education and underrepresentation in gifted programs.
• Compare and contrast issues related to second language acquisition and cognitive deficiencies.

Parental and Community Involvement

• Identify effective programs to garner involvement of parents and community members.
• Examine strategies to increase parental and community involvement.