English Language Learner KnowledgeBase for Administrators & Teachers

18 Teacher-Tested Strategies for Differentiated Instruction

This December 2014 Edutopia article, by Lina Raffaelli, provides 18 Teacher-Tested Strategies for Differentiated Instruction as researched from the Edutopia community.  Raffaelli states most educators agree that differentiated instruction can dramatically help students to succeed, but good differentiation needs careful planning to make sure students of all abilities are engaged and it can be a challenge when teachers are already so pressed for time. 

4 Strategies for Scaffolding Instruction for ELs

This TESOL website features Judie Haynes' March 2015 blog which highlights how teachers of ELs can meet the language needs of their students through scaffolding. Teachers need to take into account the language demands that ELs face in content classrooms and use scaffolding to meet these demands.  When teachers scaffolds lessons, they break down the language into manageable pieces or chunks. This way, students can be given the necessary support to understand the information provided in the lesson. This blog shares four ways o  scaffolding lessons when ELs need support during a content area lesson.

6 Scaffolding Strategies to Use With Your Students

This Edutopia website features a January 2014 article by Rebecca Alber who offers six Scaffolding Strategies to use with students; and advises to support every student by breaking learning up into chunks and providing a concrete structure for each.  Alber also explains the difference between Scaffolding and Differentiation.

The Ultimate List: 50 Strategies for Differentiated Instruction

This July 2018 TeachThought website offers the Ultimate List: 50 strategies for Differentiated Instruction by Terry Heick; who defines, "Differentiation is a rational approach to meeting the needs of individual learners, but actually making it possible on a daily basis in the classroom can be challenge."  This is the beginning of an index of similar in form and function to the TeachThought Learning Model Index. Like the Learning Model Index, this list will be updated with definitions, tools, tips, and strategies to enact the strategies, and examples of each. For now, they are sharing the list and the graphic, and would love your questions and comments.  PDF

Transitional Bilingual Education Programs: Pros & Cons

This Study.com website hosts this lesson which provides an overview of bilingual education programs in American schools. It outlines the pros and cons of the programs which should be helpful for teachers and schools implementing transitional education programs.

Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom: Strategies & Examples

This Study.com website instructs How to Differentiate Instruction Effectively because changing your teaching style takes planning and practice. With determination, consistency, and the right resources, successfully implementing differentiation in the classroom is possible for any teacher.

7 Ways to Scaffold Instruction for English Language Learners

This 2015 NWEA.org Education Blog offers 7 ways to Scaffold Instruction for English Language Learners.

Developing Programs for English Language Learners: Glossary

This Department of Education website provides a glossary of terms for ELL Developing Programs.

Early & Late-Exit Bilingual Programs: Definition & Differences

This Study.com website explores the differences and similarities of two transitional bilingual programs: early-exit and late-exit. Both programs' goals and approaches are described, followed by a summary of the two programs' differences.

Traditional Bilingual Education

This Iris Center website provides transitional bilingual education resources in instruction, benefits, and concerns.