Best Practices for Educating English Learners

Which of the following is a key component of effective instruction for English learners?

• Focus exclusively on language instruction

• Prioritize native language over English

• Integrate language development with content learning

• Limit English exposure to reduce confusion

What type of instructional strategy is most beneficial for English learners?

• Teacher-centered lectures

• Independent work with little guidance

• Scaffolding, modeling, and interactive discussions

• Strictly English-only instruction without accommodations

Standards-based instruction alongside English-speaking peers for English learners:

• Inhibits English learners from acquiring grade-level skills

• Provides access to academic standards while developing language skills

• Should only happen in English language classes

• Requires minimal adjustment for English learners

What type of progress monitoring is most effective for supporting English learners?

• Annual standardized tests only

• Ongoing, formative assessments to guide instruction

• Self-assessments without teacher involvement

• Infrequent assessments to reduce test anxiety

Which approach best supports English learners' language development?

• Only using English textbooks and resources

• Encouraging peer discussions in both English and their native language

• Isolating English learners from native English speakers

• Limiting vocabulary instruction

Which method promotes vocabulary retention for English learners?

• Memorizing word lists without context

• Using visuals, real-world examples, and repetition

• Focusing only on academic vocabulary

• Learning vocabulary in isolation from other subjects

Good teaching is all that’s needed to help ELLs succeed in school.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Having a good teacher is important for all students, not just ELLs, but an ELL needs more than just a good teacher to succeed in school.

ELLs need teachers who know how to deliver academic content in ways that make it comprehensible for students who are not yet fluent in the English language.

English Language Learners benefit most from which two strategies?

• Total Physical Response

• Explicit Instruction

• Modeling

• Call and Response