Teaching Strategies for English Language Learners
English Language Learners (ELL) are students for whom English is not their primary language. Their first language (L1) is not used in instruction and the instructor need not know the students' native languages. Instructional methods of teaching language skills vary, depending on the district or school mandates. Some classes focus on literature to better prepare students for the exit exams and their transition into mainstream ELA (English Language Arts), while others require that the ELL teacher collaborate with subject area teachers to reinforce content and concepts. Students in many school districts must pass proficiency tests in order to “score out” of ELL and enter mainstream ELA classes.