ESOL Endorsement Courses

This course will focus on the instructional methods and strategies for teaching English Language Learners. Educators will use their knowledge of current first and second language acquisition to plan and deliver appropriate, effective instruction. Specifically, the course will focus on the following objectives:

• Demonstrate knowledge of history, public policy, research and current practices in the field of ESOL teaching and apply this knowledge to improve teaching and learning for English Learners.
• Understand and implement a variety of teaching strategies and techniques for developing and integrating ELLs’ English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
• Support English Learners’ access to the core curriculum by teaching language through academic content.
• Understand and use a wide range of standards-based materials, resources, and technologies to support English Learners.

This course will focus on the knowledge, skills, and pedagogical expertise required to effectively teach English Language Learners by demonstrating a deep understanding of language as a system, second language acquisition and development, and second language literacy development, while also recognizing and appreciating the linguistic and cultural diversity among ELLs, thus preparing them to be competent and culturally responsive ESOL educators. Specifically, the course will focus on the following objectives:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the components of language (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) and their interplay within the English language system, to effectively support ELLs' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.
• Apply theories and research in second language acquisition to support ELLs from diverse backgrounds and varying English proficiency levels, recognizing the importance of ELLs' home languages and sociocultural factors in the learning process.
• Develop expertise in guiding ELLs' literacy development by understanding current theories of second language reading and writing, identifying the influences of their home languages on second language literacy, and applying knowledge of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse to promote effective reading and writing skills in English.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English and model appropriate forms of English for various purposes, understanding the similarities and differences between English and other languages among the ELL student population.

This course will focus on navigating diverse assessment issues impacting ELLs, using a range of proficiency assessment tools and diverse classroom-based assessment techniques, aligning assessments to varying backgrounds and proficiency levels while addressing stakeholder needs. Specifically, the course will focus on the following objectives:

• Analyze diverse assessment issues affecting ELLs' learning across cultural, linguistic, and proficiency differences.
• Differentiate between assessment types, emphasizing the implications of standardized vs. performance-based assessments for accountability.
• Demonstrate skillful Implementation of Language Proficiency Assessments by applying and interpret varied language proficiency assessment tools to comply with district, state, and federal guidelines for ELL identification, placement, and progress monitoring.
• Develop and utilize standards and performance-based assessment techniques to inform instruction and gauge language growth among diverse ELLs.
• Communicate the appropriateness of ELL assessments to stakeholders, aligning assessment methods with diverse ELL backgrounds and English proficiency levels while guiding instructional decisions.

This course will focus on the implementation of standards-based ESOL instruction and creating supportive and inclusive learning environments for ELLs in multilevel classrooms, by integrating language-sensitive content, differentiating learning experiences based on assessments, and selecting, adapting, and effectively utilizing culturally responsive materials and technology. Specifically, the course will focus on the following objectives:

• Gain proficiency in planning and delivering integrated standards-based ESOL and language-sensitive content instruction, ensuring alignment with language proficiency standards.
• Develop skills to create supportive, accepting, and student-centered classroom environments, fostering a positive environment for English Language Learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Learn to plan and implement differentiated learning experiences based on assessments of students' English and L1 proficiency, integrating cultural background knowledge, addressing diverse learning styles, and catering to the particular needs of students with limited formal schooling (LFS).
• Acquire the skills to select, adapt, and effectively use a wide range of standards-based materials, including culturally responsive and age-appropriate resources, as well as leveraging technology to enhance instruction for ELLs of diverse backgrounds and varying English proficiency levels.

This course will focus on understanding and applying knowledge of theories related to the effect of culture in language learning and school achievement for ELLs from diverse backgrounds. Educators will identify and understand the nature and role of culture, cultural groups, and individual cultural identities. Specifically, the course will focus on the following objectives:

• Understand the impact of cultural values, beliefs, and identities on the language learning process for ELLs from diverse backgrounds and varying English proficiency levels.
• Utilize diverse cultural resources to develop inclusive curriculum and instructional strategies that acknowledge and integrate cultural identities, mitigating the effects of racism, stereotypes, and discrimination on ELLs' learning experiences.
• Develop strategies to establish strong home/school connections, engaging ELLs' families to support and enhance the educational experience.
• Analyze the interrelationship between language and culture, recognizing its influence on the educational journey of students from various cultural backgrounds and English proficiency levels.