Non-native English speaking students are frequently surrounded by English-speaking adults and peers with a variety of native languages. These students need effective instruction to master a new language, a new culture and each state's academic standards within a relatively short time period.
The Specialization in English as a Second Language helps educators, who often only speak English, teach English language learners both English and other academic content during the same instructional day. The ESL program coursework focuses on theories of language acquisition, cultural implications, strategies that promote cultural understanding, and teaching practices that meet the needs of English language learners.
This online program provides teachers the knowledge and skills to successfully demonstrate the English as a New Language Standards set forth by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPFS).
The Specialization in English as a Second Language addresses the need of teachers interested in working with students who are non-native English speakers. The focus is on theories of language acquisition, culture understanding, and teacher practices that meet the need of English learners.
An essential course for all educators, this course provides students with an understanding of the historical, political, social, cultural, and educational concepts and issues that affect linguistically and culturally diverse students in the educational system. A review of local, state and federal policies regarding entitlement and appropriate school services for English language learners, and important program models are analyzed. Current theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), bilingualism, and socio-cultural theories are explored for their pedagogical implications and specific program models within and outside the U.S. are examined for their contributions to student academic achievement. View Course Intro Video
This course describes how culturally and linguistically diverse students differ in their approaches to learning, characteristics of culturally responsive educators, best practices in teaching and assessing students for whom English is a new language, and the importance of communication in working with students from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The course also provides the foundation for the internship in ESL-bilingual education, which is accomplished under the supervision of an approved mentor. View Course Intro Video
Students in this course explore issues of assessment of second language learners within the larger framework of historical, social, cultural and political contexts. Utilizing a variety of theoretical models related to second language acquisition and academic achievement, students 1) analyze the ways that second language students are diverse, 2) discuss equitable assessment of diverse learners, and 3) evaluate existing instruments for second language learners. Students examine and review relevant state standards for content matter learning and language proficiency, and examine how those are assessed in mandated, large-scale assessment and in classroom assessment (traditional and alternative). View Course Intro Video
This course provides teachers methods for providing language and content instruction to second language learners. Students consider historical and current English as a second language (ESL) program models and second language acquisition theories, pedagogy, and methodology. Relevant federal, state, and local learning and assessment standards are reviewed and applied to their teaching. Students are guided in creating and presenting teaching units and lessons based on various methods, approaches, and techniques. Students discuss the selection, use, and evaluation of books, multimedia, technology, and other materials. Students examine the application of relevant learning and assessment standards to their teaching of second language learners. View Course Intro Video
Students in this course cover the following essential dimensions of linguistics and the acquisition of language: language and the brain, first and second language acquisition, major components of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics), cognition and learning, and communicative competence. Emphasis is placed on implications for ESL and bilingual education teachers. View Course Intro Video
Designed for Bilingual Education, this course prepares teachers in methodology for teaching language and content to English Language Learners in bilingual education programs. Participants critically examine bilingual education program models and theories of bilingual education and literacy, first and second language acquisition, and transfer of skills and content knowledge between first and second language. Participants are guided in creating a teaching unit and adapting and presenting lessons using various methods, approaches, and techniques. Participants discuss the selection, use, and evaluation of books, multimedia, and other materials in the first and subsequent languages. Participants examine the application of relevant learning and assessment standards to their teaching.
With the increase of limited-English-proficient students in urban environments, this course examines the impact of culture on society and the educational system, and the importance of culture in addressing the needs of immigrant students. It explores the dynamic processes of acculturation and cultural conflict. Students examine the role of culture in the American educational system and how ethno-linguistic groups contribute to the dynamics of the classroom. Students examine behavioral expectations and learning styles of students from different backgrounds, how that changes the classroom dynamics, and how teacher expectations can affect perceptual judgments of students. Students learn how to design culturally relevant instruction to further the academic success of diverse groups, and learn ways to foster collaborative and dynamic learning environments. View Course Intro Video
The Bilingual Internship is designed to guide aspiring bilingual teachers through structured and semi-structured, supervised experiences focused on teaching bilingual students.
The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout and as a result of the ESL program.
This course focuses on the major theories, strategies, and applications utilized in P-12 standards-driven learning environments. Participants review and apply current literature and educational research studies concerning standards-based curriculum, implementation strategies and tools.
This course prepares students to implement strategies for building a learning community. An emphasis is placed on the application of the learner-centered principles; cooperative and problem-based learning strategies; and the promotion of integrated curriculum and critical thinking. View Course Intro Video
This course assists students in developing rigorous, appropriate curriculum and instruction. Multiculturalism, culturally relevant pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and thematic, interdisciplinary unit planning are emphasized. Using a curricular framework, students plan, evaluate, reflect on, and adapt curricula experiences that build successful learning environments for all learners including English language learners. View Course Intro Video
This course explores the critical roles teachers play in decision-making through the perspective of multiple stakeholders. Learners engage in leadership interactions to develop problem-solving skills and the ability to become change agents for continuous school improvement. View Course Intro Video
This course examines the use of computer technology for managing 21st century classrooms and providing differentiated instructions to 21st century learners. Learners will evaluate their own use and their school district's use of technology and develop action plans for integration and change. View Course Intro Video