This category of courses serves as umbrella for three courses focused on promoting academic language development and content area learning for ELL students of diverse backgrounds. This category should include:
A course about establishing effective programs for SIFE (Students with Interrupted Formal Education) students so that their specific needs are addressed. This course should focus on exploring SIFE students' specific needs; strategies and supports for addressing those needs; guidance for educators, administrators, and school/district support staff (e.g., guidance counselors, social workers, special education teachers); assessment considerations; and opportunities to practice strategies aimed at promoting content learning, literacy, and language development for SIFE students.
A course about secondary (6 - 12) newcomers and ELLs with disabilities, focused on issues such as distinguishing between normal stages of language learning and learning disabilities; assessment considerations; appropriate supports; instructional strategies to address the specific needs of ELLs with disabilities; and how to establish programs that successfully promote language development, literacy, and content learning for this particular ELL population.
Marsha Olsen, Ph.D. Program Coordinator Center for Teacher Education and Research Westfield State University Wilson Hall, Room 136 577 Western Avenue Westfield, MA 01085 molsen@westfield.ma.edu Tel: (413) 572-8459
Last Updated: March 6, 2024
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
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