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Instructing English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities – 6 Weeks – Winter Online 2021

Course Credit 15 Hours/PDPs
With an option to add 1 graduate credit from Colorado State University – Pueblo.

This professional development course provides educators with an overview of language development and second language acquisition with a specific focus on English Language Learners (ELLs). It addresses the distinction between language differences and disorders, with a particular emphasis on language-based learning disabilities (LBLD). As a result of the learning experiences in this course, participants will be more competent in their ability to:

• Identify the federal and state regulations in place to ensure the appropriate evaluation and instruction of students who are dually identified as being ELLs and having learning disabilities
• Recognize effective culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluation procedures and assessment measures
• Implement a variety of instructional strategies to support ELLs across all content areas using principles from universal design for learning (UDL)

Given this unprecedented time and due to COVID-19, the instructor will encourage participants to consider how to best adapt instructional strategies for remote teaching when completing discussions, assignments, and written reflections.

The course is divided into six, self-paced modules over 6 weeks:

• Language Acquisition: This module presents an overview of language acquisition, including specific language parameters (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and discourse). It also introduces the typical stages associated with second language acquisition.
• ELLs with LBLD: This module identifies common signs of language-based learning disabilities and explains the importance of differential diagnosis for ELLs.
• Assessment: This module presents legal regulations that must be considered when evaluating ELLs. It also outlines the difference between formal and informal measures and identifies specific tools for evaluation.
• Cultural Considerations:  This module explores the importance of getting to know ELLs and outlines ways to learn about students’ cultural background and experiences to support academic success.
• Instructional Frameworks: This module outlines specific instructional frameworks, such as Structured English Immersion (SEI), to support ELLs in the classroom and explains the difference between social and academic language.
• Instructional Strategies: This module outlines the six Landmark Teaching Principles™ and how the implementation of these instructional strategies can support ELLs with LBLD in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Each module will follow the same basic outline:

• Presentation of key information about the topic
• Explanations of the impact in the classroom
• A quiz to assess learning
• Opportunities to discuss and reflect on course content with peers
• A summation of the module followed by an opportunity to complete an application assignment

Specific Assignments:

• Pre and Post-Assessments: These ungraded questionnaires will be completed at the beginning and end of the course in order to self-assess knowledge and application of course content.
• Quizzes: The quizzes will assess comprehension of the content from the required reading. The quizzes will be automatically graded within the course platform. Although participants must earn an 80% or higher to move on to the next section of the course, there are unlimited attempts allowed.
• Discussion Posts: The discussions will require participants to post an initial response and reply to at least one other post.
• Assignments: The assignments in each module will require participants to put theory into practice as they read and follow the specific directions, and use examples provided as a guideline for format, length, and quality of writing. These tasks will be assessed using specific rubrics.

MATERIALS

There is not a required text for the course.

GRADUATE CREDIT

We offer an optional (1) graduate credit for this course through Colorado State University – Pueblo. Graduate credit may be added by selecting the check box labeled “Grad Credit Fee” before clicking “Register.” The cost of 1 graduate credit is $125 and may not be added after the start date of the course. Additional and/or alternative assignments may be required for participants seeking graduate credit.

See our FAQ page for specific information about our online courses.