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Best Practices
Students with Internet access can be provided live, online ELD instruction in the domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing from a certified ESL Program Specialist. This can be done through the school district’s online instruction platform such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Schoology or through online meeting tools such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangout. In this format, the ELD teacher can deliver a similar experience to the students as s/he would in the physical classroom.
Considerations
What does ELD/ESL Instruction look like when provided remotely to students with internet access and to students without internet access?
What does ELD/ESL Instruction look like based on the age/proficiency level of the student?
Teachers should be aware of scaffolds while planning their lessons.
Requirements
If a district chooses to provide continuity of instruction, ELD is a required component of all language instruction educational programs (LIEPs). ELD takes place daily throughout the day for ELs and is delivered by both ESL teachers and non-ESL teachers.
LIEP and special education programming are not mutually exclusive. Special education services do not replace English language development services. ELs must be afforded all supports, resources, and programming for which they are eligible. ELs are eligible for special education services if they meet IEP eligibility criteria and, conversely, students with a disability are eligible for English language development programming if they are identified as an ELs.
Optional Enrichment or Continuity of Instruction
If a school district is choosing to implement virtual or remote instruction that serves the role of continuity of instruction to all students, the Administration is strongly encouraged to consider how their ELD Program meets the requirements explained here and in the PA BEC: Educating English Learners. Additionally, the school district should consider how content area and ELD teachers will have the opportunity to collaborate and coordinate support for English Learners in the remote learning instructional model. This could be an online virtual meeting place for teachers to collaborate and plan resources.
If the school district is offering optional enrichment for English Learners during the closure they may consider choosing some resources from the accompanying resource list.
Translation and Interpretation
It is important to note that special considerations must be given to the need for translation and interpretation in a time of continuous information sharing (e.g. changes to the school schedule, method of instruction, instructional support). School districts are required to utilize resources in which they make information available to students and families in a language they understand.
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