Distinguishing Language Acquisition from Learning Disabilities

About the Course
This course will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the differences between struggling students who are still acquiring English and English Language Learners who have learning disabilities. The book will help educators make more informed choices around strategies and services to best support English Language Learners. The updated edition includes expanded information on appropriate Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS), nine common misconceptions that can lead to students being misidentified as special education students, evidence based practices for more successful teaching for students acquiring English and appropriate techniques for assessing English Language Learners for special education. Participants will analyze their schools current teaching practices, MTSS procedures and brainstorm improvements to these systems based on the information learned.
Required Text:
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Why Do English Learners Struggle With Reading?: Distinguishing Language Acquisition From Learning Disabilities by John J. Hoover, Leonard M. Baca, Janette Kettmann Klingner
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Analyze the big misconceptions that can lead to English Language Learners being misidentified as students with disabilities who require special education.
- Identify and distinguish between English Acquisition and learning disabilities.
- Implement at least two methods for teaching English Language Learners outlined in the book, and reflect on effectiveness through data-driven discussion.
- Develop essential questions and create procedures for a more effective MTSS process for English Language Learners at the school level.