English Learner Supports in Content Classes

• Sentence Frames and Sentence Starters

  Follow before, during, and after steps, with leveled example frames from elementary through high school.

  Colorin ColoradoStrategy guideTry tomorrowWhole class

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• Accountable Talk

  Teach one discussion phrase at a time for agreeing, adding on, and citing evidence, by proficiency level.

  Colorin ColoradoStrategy guideTry tomorrowWhole class

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• 10 Tips for Using Students' Home Languages to Support Instruction

  Use cognates, bilingual glossaries, and home language brainstorming, even if you do not speak the language.

  Colorin ColoradoQuick readTry tomorrow

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• Integrated ELD Instructional Strategies and Supports

  Scan California's list of integrated ELD moves, such as language objectives, sentence unpacking, and Think-Pair-Share.

  California Department of EducationQuick readPlan together

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• Grade Nine English Language Development Videos

  Watch integrated and designated ELD in grade 9 and 10 math lessons, with transcripts and linked standards.

  California Department of EducationVideo22:38 and 19:43Plan together

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• Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary and Middle School

  Read four recommendations with evidence ratings. Written for kindergarten to grade 8, so adapt for high school.

  What Works ClearinghouseResearch summaryLearn more

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• Implementing Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for English Learners

  A federal brief on five practices, including home language, peer interaction, and writing, with a high school example.

  OELAStrategy guide42 pagesLearn more

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• Teaching English Learners: Effective Instructional Practices

  A free module on second language acquisition, academic English, visuals, vocabulary, and differentiated instruction.

  IRIS CenterTraining module2 hoursLearn more

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• Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition, Grades 9 to 12

  See what students can do at each level when they recount, explain, argue, and discuss. WIDA levels differ from California's.

  WIDAQuick readLearn more

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• California English Learner Roadmap

  Read the state's four principles, starting with assets-oriented schools, plus case examples from California schools.

  California Department of EducationQuick readLearn more

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• Instruction of Key Academic Vocabulary with High School ELLs

  A high school teacher picks key academic words from a primary source and teaches them with cognates, pair work, and class discussion.

  Colorin ColoradoVideoTry tomorrowWhole class

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• Grade Eleven and Twelve Science Integrated ELD: Ecological Problems

  A California science class where students use academic language structures and vocabulary to present on an ecological problem. Transcript included.

  California Department of EducationVideo11 minPlan togetherWhole class

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These resources are shared for professional learning and planning. They are meant to inform your professional judgment, not replace it. Each student's IEP and your district, state and federal requirements always come first. Listing a resource here is not an endorsement by Layered Education. This is educational information only, not legal advice.