Supporting Struggling ELL Students in a Preschool Classroom by Xinyan Li

Step 2: Initial Observation

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-04 09:00:23 UTC

Observe Behavior: Pay close attention to language proficiency during interactions and activities.

Document Observations: Record specific instances of language difficulties.

Step 3: Language Assessment

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-05 02:34:22 UTC

Language Proficiency Test: Administer age-appropriate language assessments (e.g., WIDA MODEL/ Teaching Strategy Gold).

Review Results: Assess language development compared to peers at same age range.

Note: Communication with the family is crucial, so you should share progress with them, listen to concerns, and learn more about the child’s history to help inform intervention efforts.

Step 4: Individualized Education for ELL

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-05 02:36:17 UTC

Modify Instruction: Adapt teaching strategies to support language acquisition (e.g., visuals, gestures, rhythms and additional language support).

Provide Language Support: Offer bilingual resources, peer support, small group activities, or one-on-one interaction.

To address the individual challenges, you should employ a variety of classroom techniques and supports, which may include adapting lesson plans, modifying assignments, or working one-on-one with the student; some educators also may apply more systematic strategies, such as response to intervention (RtI), multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS), or positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).

Step 5: Ongoing assessment/monitoring (8-10 weeks)

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-05 02:37:26 UTC

Track the ELL student’s progress with these interventions over a period of 8-10 weeks. Evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions based on the collected data.

--- Formal and unformal Assessments: Regularly assess language growth and comprehension.

--- Parent/Guardian Communication: Update families on language development strategies.

Step 7: Identifying Learning Disabilities

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-05 02:38:04 UTC

Consult Specialists: Collaborate with special education professionals to evaluate potential disabilities.

Screen for Language Needs vs. Learning Disability:

Language Needs Assessment: Conduct assessments to determine if the student has language needs that may be affecting learning.
Learning Disability Assessment: Conduct assessments to identify any learning disabilities.

National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). Students With Disabilities. Condition of Education. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved [date], from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg.

Step 1: Identifying Struggling ELL student

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-08 06:28:35 UTC

Teachers in the classroom notice an ELL student who is having difficulty learning or behaving appropriately compared to peers.

Step 6: Is this ELL student making progressing?

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-08 06:34:06 UTC

Decide whether the ELL student is progressing with current interventions.

Yes: Continue with the current interventions.
No: Proceed to further screening.

Step 8: Special Education Referral

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-08 06:41:59 UTC

Conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the student's eligibility for special education services.

Eligibility Determination: Follow guidelines (IDEA) for special education eligibility if concerns persist.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP): Develop an IEP with input from parents/guardians and specialists.

Note: Parental rights under IDEA include the right to receive prior written notice from the school each time that the school proposes to take (or refuses to take) certain actions with respect to your child.

https://www.parentcenterhub.org/notice-prior/#in

Step 9: Develop IEP

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-08 06:42:33 UTC

Create an IEP tailored to the ELL student's specific needs.

Step 10: Implement IEP

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-08 06:42:55 UTC

Put the IEP into action within the classroom and special education settings.

Step 11: Regular Progress Monitoring

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-08 06:43:24 UTC

Continuously monitor the ELL student's progress towards the IEP goals.

Step 12: IEP Review and Adjustments

andreaxinyan — 2024-07-08 06:43:44 UTC

Regularly review and adjust the IEP as needed to ensure the student's success.