Principles for Instruction for ELLs

What does standards-aligned instruction for ELLs reflect?

• The importance of cultural assets in learning

• The role of home language in the classroom

• The key shifts in the CCSS and NGSS

How can ELLs' home language(s) and culture(s) be used in instruction?

• Bridging prior knowledge to new knowledge

• Creating standardized assessments

• Challenging students to improve their language proficiency

What should teachers provide students with opportunities to do in rigorous instruction?

• Repeat information, copy notes, and follow instructions

• Describe their reasoning, share explanations, and argue from evidence

• Memorize facts, complete worksheets, and pass quizzes

Why do teachers need to be attentive to differences among ELLs?

• To create diverse classroom settings

• To identify learning disabilities

• To design instruction accordingly

What do ELLs need to learn in order to participate in academic discussions?

• Broad repertoire of strategies to construct meaning from academic talk

• Fluency in their home language

• Translation skills

How can teachers monitor students' learning?

• By providing students with straight answers

• By setting strict rules and giving punishments

• Through diagnostic tools and formative assessment practices