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CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ESL STUDENTS

WHY ACCOMMODATE?

ESL Students must receive accommodations:To help them understand contentTo help them complete assignmentsTo improve their English skillsTo help them feel included and comfortableBecause it is the law

The Civil Rights Act, Title VI 1964

“No person in the United States, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” -42 U.S.C. § 2000d.

LAU V. NICHOLSThe failure of a school system to provide English language instruction to national origin students who do not speak English, or to provide them with other adequate

instruction denies them a meaningful opportunity to participate in the public educational program.

- Lau v. Nichols

(U.S. Supreme Court Decision, 1974).

Lack of English proficiency does not mean there is a lack of content knowledge or

thought.

CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS

Using teaching strategies and learning resources that make content comprehensible is the key to

helping the student understand the content, learn the language, and be engaged in the learning

process.

SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

•Seat the student near the teacher

•Write instructions clearly on the board as well as give them orally

•Write key words, page numbers, homework, deadlines, etc. on the board

•Incorporate visuals such as props, graphics, organizers, charts and gestures

•Avoid slang, colloquial expressions and complex structures

•Speak clearly

•Allow extra time

SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES•Allow the ESL student to write less, have fewer answer choices or answer simpler questions

•Consider it may take them longer to complete a task

•Allow the use of bilingual dictionaries for older students who are literate in their first language, but discourage over reliance

•Use meaningful word walls

•Provide a model of what completed work should look like

SAMPLE ASSESSMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Level One:

Point to answers

Use yes or no test items

Test Orally

Accept one-word answers or pictures

Level Two:

Reduce Test Questions

Allow errors in speaking/writing

Extended time

Allow the use of study guide/outlines

SAMPLE ASSESSMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Level Three:

Allow extra time

Reduce Test Questions

Only grade work completed

Allow use of study guides and notes

Level Four:

Retest

Accept some grammatical errors

Allow use of word-to-word dictionary

Rephrase directions if necessary

ACCOMMODATION DOCUMENTATION

•This will be provided to you by your ESL Resource teacher

•This accommodation form provides suggested accommodations for each ESL student

•A copy will go into the students file for documentation that accommodations were provided as required by law

• Comment 79 should be marked on a report card on a student that received any accommodation throughout the quarter

WHAT ELL STUDENTS WISH YOU KNEW

I am intelligent.Just because I am not proficient in English does not mean I am “stupid”. I am deeply attuned to body language- be mindful of yours.

Ask me to share my thoughts and stories, even if it is in pictures. I have a wealth of knowledge that informs my thinking.

WHAT ELL STUDENTS WISH YOU KNEW

Hold me accountable for my work and participation.

Provide me feedback and make sure I participate. Do not take it easy on me. Celebrate my progress.

If you lessen your expectations of me, I will know it and perform accordingly.

WHAT ELL STUDENTS WISH YOU KNEW

Be patient.

Give me time to answer, complete my work and think of words.

Facilitate a culture of patience in your classroom so other classmates are patient too.

WHAT ELL STUDENTS WISH YOU KNEW

Talk to me.

At least try. Don’t ignore me. Talk to me about non-academic things.

Build a relationship with me. It helps you see what I can do, rather than what I cannot do.

Wendi Pillars, Education Week 6/22/16

IT MAY BE DEMANDING TO WORK WITH ENGLISH LEARNERS. IT CAN ALSO BE ONE OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE GIFTS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Contact your local ESL teacher

Contact your ESL Paraprofessional

Contact Dr. Tracy Jay

ESL and Migrant Coordinator

221-5189

tjay@mcpss.com

WE APPRECIATE YOU!

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