Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners

A Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Learner (formerly referred to as English language learner or ELL) is an individual who comes from a home environment where a language other than English is spoken and whose cultural values and background may differ from the "mainstream culture." These students are active learners of the English language who may benefit from various types of language support programs. The term is used mainly in the U.S. to describe K–12 students. Also See "Academic Language" and "Academic Language Teaching Strategies."

Typical strategies to support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners include (New Teacher Center, 2010):

  • Vocabulary instruction

  • Explicit forms of academic English

  • Models, visuals, graphic organizers

  • Bridging from prior knowledge

  • Guided interaction

  • Assessment that informs instruction

  • Meaningful content, thematic instruction

  • Respect for home language and culture

Sources:

The National Council of Teachers of English (2008). English language learners: A policy research brief. Urbana, Ill: Author.

New Teacher Center. (2010). Mentoring for Equity. Paper presented at the Mentor Professional Development, Santa Cruz, CA.

Moran, C., Stobbe, J., Baron, W., Miller, J., & Moir, E. (2009). Keys to the elementary classroom: A new teacher's guide to the first month of school. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.