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English Language Proficiency Standards - these are important to include in the language objectives when lesson planning and for determining which language domains are begin addressed with the lesson.

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Proficiency Level Descriptors - these are important to refer to when monitoring the progress of the English learners. They also serve as reminders of what students can do at each level of proficiency within each domain of language.

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U.S. Department of Education – English Learner Toolkit

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U.S. Department of Education – English Learner Toolkit

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This toolkit was developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and is designed to help educators and state/district leaders meet their obligations under federal law (including Title VI and Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act). Each chapter provides guidance on topics such as identification, assessment, program design, and parent communication

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English Learner Tool Kit Updated with ESSA references. OELA's EL Tool Kit was published in 2015 as a companion to support the 2015 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) produced by the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, and the Department of Justice, outlining legal obligations for ELs. Some chapters of the tool kit have been updated related to the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA).

The English Learner Tool Kit helps state and local education agencies help English Learners (ELs) by fulfilling these obligations.

The Toolkit has 10 chapters (one for each section of the DCL), and contains an overview, sample tools, and resources.

New Download the entire English Learner Tool Kit (PDF, 9MB)

Introduction

Chapters

To request the tool kit in an alternate format as a reasonable accommodation, i.e. Braille, large print, CD Rom or audio, please contact Melissa Escalante by phone, 202-401-1407 or via email at: Melissa.Escalante@ed.gov.

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bilingual education; school reform; language proficiency; english (second language); multicultural education;

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The Office of English Language Acquisition's English Learner Tool Kit.

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Colorín Colorado – English Learner Policy & Research Section

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Colorín Colorado – English Learner Policy & Research Section

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Colorín Colorado is a nationally recognized resource for educators and families of English learners. Their “ELL Policy & Research” section includes summaries of major legislation , as well as articles and videos explaining how these laws impact classroom practice. It is teacher-friendly, accessible, and regularly updated, making it an excellent go-to for understanding both historical and current legal frameworks affecting EL education.

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Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) – Program Models for English Learners

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Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) – Program Models for English Learners

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CAL offers in-depth descriptions and comparisons of various program models for English learners, such as Transitional Bilingual Education, Dual Language Immersion, Structured English Immersion (SEI), and ESL Pull-Out. It also provides evidence-based guidance on choosing and implementing the right model based on community needs and student demographics.

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Landing Page - Center for Applied Linguistics

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Latest Videos/Webinars Upcoming Events Latest News

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WIDA – English Language Development Standards and Program Planning

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WIDA – English Language Development Standards and Program Planning

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WIDA provides essential tools for educators designing and supporting ESL and bilingual programs. The site includes guidance on program planning, instructional strategies, and language development standards aligned with ESL and bilingual education goals.

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"Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition" by Stephen Krashen

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"Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition" by Stephen Krashen

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This foundational book introduces Krashen’s five key hypotheses (including the Input Hypothesis, Affective Filter Hypothesis, and Monitor Hypothesis) which are essential to understanding how second languages are acquired. It’s written by one of the most influential scholars in language education and provides clear, research-based explanations of how language is learned naturally.

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Summer Reading: Program and Evidence (Allyn and Bacon 2007) Fay Shin and Stephen Krashen Posted: 2015-06-03

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“How Languages are Learned” by Patsy Lightbown & Nina Spada

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“How Languages are Learned” by Patsy Lightbown & Nina Spada

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This book is a go-to resource for education students and language teachers, offering a balanced, research-informed look at key theories of first and second language acquisition. It covers behaviorist, cognitive, and sociocultural perspectives in an accessible way, and it connects these theories directly to classroom practice.

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Teaching Grammar to English Language Learners by Eli Hinkel

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Teaching Grammar to English Language Learners by Eli Hinkel

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This book breaks down English grammar concepts (like verb tenses, articles, sentence structure, etc.) and explains how to teach them effectively to English learners. It ties grammar instruction to real language use and provides classroom strategies, making abstract rules more accessible for both teachers and students.

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University of Iowa – Phonetics: The Sounds of English and Spanish

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University of Iowa – Phonetics: The Sounds of English and Spanish

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This interactive website offers audio-visual demonstrations of how English and Spanish sounds are produced. It covers phonetics and pronunciation, two crucial components of understanding the structure of English.

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TESOL International Association – “Six Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners”

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TESOL International Association – “Six Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners”

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This framework outlines six research-based principles for effective, contemporary ESL instruction, grounded in the latest understanding of language acquisition and learner-centered pedagogy. It highlights practical methods such as scaffolding, language-rich environments, and culturally responsive teaching.

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The ESL Teaching Methods Timeline by British Council – TeachingEnglish

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The ESL Teaching Methods Timeline by British Council – TeachingEnglish

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This resource provides an interactive and teacher-friendly overview of major ESL methods across time—from traditional approaches like Grammar-Translation and Audiolingualism to more modern methods such as CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and Dogme ELT. It explains the philosophy, techniques, strengths, and limitations of each method in accessible language.

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Welcome to TeachingEnglish

Be part of the world's largest online English teaching community. TeachingEnglish is a global programme for English teachers and teacher educators, drawing on UK and local expertise, and the unique insight and experience of the British Council. Build your professional network, share ideas and knowhow, and stay up to date with the latest research and innovations in teaching. You'll find lesson plans, events and learning resources to support your practice, as well as new opportunities to help your career grow - whether you're taking your first steps as an English language teacher, or your next steps as a teacher educator.

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Be part of the world's largest online English teaching community. TeachingEnglish is a global programme for English teachers and teacher educators, drawing on UK and local expertise, and the unique insight and experience of the British Council. Build your professional network, share ideas and knowhow, and stay up to date with the latest research and innovations in teaching.

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Game-based learning helps English learners by creating an engaging, low-stress environment where they can practice language skills through repetition, collaboration, and real-time feedback. It also supports vocabulary development, listening, speaking, and critical thinking in a fun, interactive context.

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Getting Started With Game-Based Language Learning

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Introducing English-language learners to game-based learning brings the added benefits of conversation about their interests, discussion of in-class rules, and peer collaboration.

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English Language Learners: Strategies for Oral Language Development – ASCD

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English Language Learners: Strategies for Oral Language Development – ASCD

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This article outlines practical, research-based strategies such as think-pair-share, sentence frames, choral reading, and academic conversations to support oral language growth in ELs. It’s ideal for teachers seeking ready-to-use tools that build speaking and listening skills in a structured, interactive way while reinforcing academic content.

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We create practical, timely, affordable professional learning to help educators and instructional leaders provide students with a modern, equitable, and quality education.

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Reading and Writing Strategies for English Language Learners – Reading Rockets

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Reading and Writing Strategies for English Language Learners – Reading Rockets

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This resource offers evidence-based strategies to support ELs in both reading and writing, such as guided reading, shared writing, vocabulary previews, sentence starters, and writing scaffolds. It also includes tips for differentiating instruction and building background knowledge, which are critical for ELs at various proficiency levels.

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Explore reading basics as well as the key role of background knowledge and motivation in becoming a lifelong reader and learner. Watch our PBS Launching Young Readers series and try our self-paced Reading 101 course to deepen your understanding.

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WIDA Writing and Reading Can Do Descriptors

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WIDA Writing and Reading Can Do Descriptors

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These tools describe what English learners can do at different proficiency levels in reading and writing across grade bands. They help teachers set realistic expectations, scaffold instruction, and select appropriate reading/writing tasks.

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The 2012 Amplification of the WIDA English Language Development Standards, Kindergarten-Grade 12, represented the social, instructional, and academic language students might need to engage with peers, educators, and the curriculum in schools. The 2012 Amplification included examples of how language could be processed or produced within a particular context through Model Performance Indicators (MPIs). MPIs were meant to be examples and not fixed guidelines of the language with which students may have engaged during instruction and assessment.
WIDA intends to fully retire the 2012 Amplification of the WIDA English Language Development Standards, Kindergarten-Grade 12. However, we recognize that all member SEAs have different timelines for implementation of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition. With that in mind, the 2012 Amplification will remain in the Resource Library so that educators whose SEAs are still using it may access it as needed.
Resource Details View Download Now

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The 2012 Amplification of the WIDA English Language Development Standards, Kindergarten-Grade 12, represented the social, instructional, and academic language students might need to engage with peers, educators, and the curriculum in schools. The 2012 Amplification included examples of how language could be processed or produced within a particular context through Model Performance Indicators (MPIs).

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Colorín Colorado – Understanding Dialects and Varieties of English

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Colorín Colorado – Understanding Dialects and Varieties of English

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This resource explains the concept of English dialects and varieties (African American English, Appalachian English, World Englishes) and addresses common misconceptions about “standard” English.

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PBS LearningMedia – Video Resources on English Language Varieties

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PBS LearningMedia – Video Resources on English Language Varieties

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PBS offers engaging videos and lesson plans that showcase different varieties of English across regions and countries. These resources provide visual and auditory examples that help students appreciate the global and regional diversity of English, promoting respect and awareness of linguistic differences in educational settings.

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PBS LearningMedia | Teaching Resources For Students And Teachers

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Inspire your students with thousands of free teaching resources including videos, lesson plans, and games aligned to state and national standards.

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Teaching Tolerance – Creating Inclusive Multicultural Classrooms

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Teaching Tolerance – Creating Inclusive Multicultural Classrooms

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Teaching Tolerance offers a rich collection of lesson plans, activities, and strategies designed to foster respect and inclusivity in diverse classrooms. Their resources support teachers in creating environments where multilingual and multicultural students feel valued, helping educators address bias, celebrate cultural identities, and integrate multicultural content across subjects.

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Sorry, but we couldn’t find the page you requested at this address. It’s possible the content you’re looking for has moved or been fully removed from the website. You can search the site or browse via Topics, Frameworks, Texts or Articles. If you still can’t find what you need, contact us. We’ll be happy to help.

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Colorín Colorado – Strategies for Multilingual Classrooms

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Colorín Colorado – Strategies for Multilingual Classrooms

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This site provides practical, research-based strategies specifically for multilingual classrooms, such as leveraging students’ native languages, culturally responsive teaching, and family engagement. It also offers guidance on building a classroom culture that honors multiple identities and languages, which is key to supporting ELs’ academic and social-emotional development.

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Colorín Colorado is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). Colorín Colorado is an educational service of WETA, the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, and receives major funding from our founding partner, the AFT, and the National Education Association. © Copyright 2023 WETA Public Broadcasting.

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Teaching Math to English Language Learners – Colorín Colorado

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Teaching Math to English Language Learners – Colorín Colorado

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This resource provides practical strategies and tips for teaching math concepts to ELs, emphasizing the importance of visual aids, hands-on activities, and clear language. It explains how to integrate language objectives with math instruction and supports teachers in scaffolding complex vocabulary and word problems, which helps ELs access math content more effectively.

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Colorín Colorado is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). Colorín Colorado is an educational service of WETA, the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, and receives major funding from our founding partner, the AFT, and the National Education Association. © Copyright 2023 WETA Public Broadcasting.

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National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) – Supporting English Language Learners in Math Classrooms

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National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) – Supporting English Language Learners in Math Classrooms

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NCTM offers research-based guidance and resources for adapting math instruction to meet the needs of ELs. This includes recommendations for collaborative learning, use of manipulatives, language modeling, and culturally relevant examples.

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404 - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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We cannot find the page you requested. The file you are looking for may have been moved. NCTM Homepage

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Science Teaching for English Language Learners – The Concord Consortium

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Science Teaching for English Language Learners – The Concord Consortium

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This resource offers interactive digital tools and instructional strategies designed to make science accessible for English learners. It emphasizes hands-on inquiry, visual supports, and language scaffolding to help ELs engage deeply with scientific concepts while developing academic language skills.

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We have a diverse group of innovators who are truly amazing. They are collaborative, creative, and fully dedicated to our core mission. And they combine bucketloads of disciplinary knowledge, educational experience, and technological expertise in marvelous ways, all in the name of showing educational technology's true potential to the world.

We imagine a deeply digital future, where teaching and learning seamlessly incorporate the best features of digital technology to dramatically improve education.
More about our mission and vision

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Cultivating curiosity to bring out the inner scientist in everyone. We're a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating innovative educational technology for STEM learning. Our pioneering work brings technology's promise into reality for education worldwide.

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Teaching Science to English Language Learners – Colorín Colorado

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Teaching Science to English Language Learners – Colorín Colorado

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This site provides strategies for integrating language development with science instruction, including vocabulary previews, use of graphic organizers, cooperative learning, and modeling scientific language. It’s an accessible guide for teachers aiming to support ELs in both content understanding and English proficiency simultaneously.

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Colorín Colorado is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). Colorín Colorado is an educational service of WETA, the flagship public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital, and receives major funding from our founding partner, the AFT, and the National Education Association. © Copyright 2023 WETA Public Broadcasting.

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OSEP Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) – Supporting ELs with Disabilities

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OSEP Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) – Supporting ELs with Disabilities

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This resource offers guidance on how to support English learners who also receive special education services, focusing on culturally responsive behavioral supports and appropriate assessment practices. It helps teachers understand how to differentiate instruction and interventions while considering both language acquisition and disability needs.

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WIDA – Guidance on ELs with Disabilities

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WIDA – Guidance on ELs with Disabilities

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WIDA provides specialized resources and frameworks for educators working with ELs who have disabilities. It offers assessment tools, instructional strategies, and collaboration tips for supporting dual-identified students, helping teachers meet both language development and individualized education plan (IEP) goals effectively.

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EdTech Review – Best Technology Tools for English Language Learners

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EdTech Review – Best Technology Tools for English Language Learners

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This resource lists and reviews a variety of digital tools and apps specifically designed to support language learning, such as interactive vocabulary builders, speech recognition apps, and multimedia storytelling platforms. These technologies help ELs practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in engaging, personalized ways.

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Common Sense Education – Digital Tools for English Language Learners

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Common Sense Education – Digital Tools for English Language Learners

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Common Sense Education provides a curated list of teacher-reviewed educational technology tools that support language development for ELs. The resource includes apps and websites focusing on vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, reading fluency, and interactive writing, with guidance on how to integrate them effectively into instruction.

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Common Sense Education provides educators and students with the resources they need to harness the power of technology for learning and life. Find a free K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum, reviews of popular EdTech apps, and resources for protecting student privacy.

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Colorín Colorado – Family Engagement for English Language Learners

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Colorín Colorado – Family Engagement for English Language Learners

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This resource offers practical tips and strategies for teachers to build strong partnerships with EL families, including how to communicate effectively across languages and cultures, involve families in school activities, and respect cultural values. It also provides bilingual materials and guides that empower families to support their children’s learning at home.

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As a parent, there are many ways that you can help your child succeed every single day! These bilingual parent resources offer tips on helping your child learn to read, succeed in school, and learn a new language. They also provide information about the U.S. school system and share ideas on how to build a relationship with your child's teacher and school.

In addition, you can find fun reading tips and games, bilingual booklists, ideas for using the public library, and videos of children's authors, illustrators, and musicians. Resources are organized by topic.

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As a parent, there are many ways that you can help your child succeed every single day! These bilingual parent resources offer tips on helping your child learn to read, succeed in school, and learn a new language. They also provide information about the U.S.

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National PTA – Engaging English Learner Families

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National PTA – Engaging English Learner Families

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The National Parent Teacher Association offers resources specifically designed to help schools and teachers connect with EL families through culturally responsive outreach, translation services, and community events. Their guides emphasize the importance of creating welcoming environments and fostering two-way communication to support student success.

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The content you’re looking for has either moved or no longer exists.

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The Advocacy Institute – Resources for Advocating for English Learners

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The Advocacy Institute – Resources for Advocating for English Learners

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This site provides tools, guides, and strategies for educators and community members to effectively advocate for the rights and needs of English learners. It covers topics like understanding policies, communicating with stakeholders, and mobilizing support to ensure equitable educational opportunities for ELs.

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National Education Association (NEA) – Advocacy for English Language Learners

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National Education Association (NEA) – Advocacy for English Language Learners

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The NEA offers resources focused on policy advocacy, legal protections, and classroom support for ELs. It includes toolkits and talking points that help teachers become informed advocates in their schools and communities, ensuring EL voices and needs are represented in decision-making.