Our ELL Best Practices collection includes a variety of resources that will help you ensure your school environment is welcoming to English language learners (ELLs) and their families.
ELL Best Practices
Guide
This ELL Best Practices guide helps you create a
comprehensive communication plan that puts LEP parents on equal footing with
English-speaking parents and shows you how to steer clear of discrimination
during student registration.
Family Engagement
As children's first
teachers, parents play important roles in supporting academic learning at home
and at school. Learn techniques to engage parents in the student learning
process all year long.
Lonely Language Learners
Here's what some schools are doing to make sure their ELL
students become part of the school community.
Successful ESL (ELL) Strategies
One teacher uses oral history projects and journaling to
help ESL (ELL) and non-ESL (ELL) students "realize that they often share
the same problems, frustrations and hopes for the future."
Multi-Lingualism as an Asset Not a Deficit
Sonia Nieto describes knowledge of different language as
positive and beneficial and encourages teachers to use the languages
that their students bring to the classroom.
Engaging English Language Learners
This case explores what educators can do to meet the
language and literacy needs of ELL students in a content area like science.
Bilingual Assessment for ELL Students
Georgia Garcia emphasizes that teachers need to assess ELL
students in both English and their home language, to determine their
understanding of material.
The Gift of Second Languages
Mounting evidence shows helping ELLs maintain their primary
language gives them a better grasp on English, and as many schools are finding
out, ELLs can help schools teach other students.
Bilingual Teachers Offer Model for Students
By experiencing the struggles of acquisition first hand,
Teachers may help change the way we look at bilingualism as a society.
When a Home Visit Opens a Door
Home visits give teachers a glimpse into students’ home
cultures—the first step toward a deeper understanding of their educational
needs.