Foundations of Teaching Multilingual Learners

This course is designed to help pre-service and in-service educators understand English language development (ELD) in K-12 settings with the goal of supporting multilingual learners to equitably access academic content while simultaneously developing academic English proficiency. This course explores the theories and research that serve as the basis for the Nevada English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework and how to successfully implement evidence-based instructional practices that support steady progression toward English language proficiency and achievement in academic content areas. Course participants will also deepen their understanding of how to prioritize culturally and linguistically responsive and sustaining instructional practices. Course participants will be expected to demonstrate understanding of key theories and research, evidence-based practices, and lesson design aligned with the Nevada ELD Standards Framework and the NEPF. The culminating activity will require course participants to design a lesson plan that supports multilingual learners, provide feedback on their peers' projects, and use the feedback provided by their peers to revise their own lesson.