ED 360 - Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners in the K-12 Classroom

This course introduces students to the global, historical, theoretical, and policy foundations that inform instructional practices for English Language learners (ELLs) in the United States. The first half of the course focuses on the role that international migration has had and continues to have on the level of linguistic diversity found within U.S. public schools. Students will also explore how U.S. attitudes about international migration shape policy regarding the best ways to teach English learners English. The second half of the course centers on what current research suggests are best practices for instructing English learners at all levels of English language proficiency. Students will learn to identify and assess ELL students’ strengths/funds of knowledge and needs in order to design classroom language learning and content-area learning experiences that are based on current language and academic standards. Students demonstrate what they have learned throughout the entire course through a two part, 10-page paper that aligns with a 20-hour service learning placement (e.g., public school classroom, afterschool program, or community-based English language program).

Note: There is a 20 hour service learning experience embedded in this course.

Meets Global Engagement Learning Outcome (GLOB)

Four credits.

Prerequisite(s): ED 240 , EN 355 and PY 202 or PY 199