Content Teachers and Professional Development

The Basic Education Circular (BEC) for English Learners in Pennsylvania specifies that all content teachers are required to provide modifications and accommodations to allow ELs to have meaningful access to the content at the English proficiency level of the student.

The following is a District form commonly used by ESL teachers to determine any needed modifications and accommodations:

MASD Accommodations and Modifications for ESL Students

In order to assist non-ESL teachers with the task of making content accessable and meaningful for their ELs, PDE has created the English Language Development Standards. The Standards are divided into five (5) categories:

Social and Instructional
ELA
Math
Science
Social Studies

Additionally, the standards are aligned to the PA core standards to allow teachers the ability to see how they content may be modified to each proficiency level and grade cluster. The WIDA Can-Do Descriptors may also be used to assist in planning and modifying content for ELs. Yearly trainings are offered to all teachers and staff on best practices for working with ELs. Links to both documents can be found below:

ESL Beginning-of-the-Year Checklist

The following is a beginning of the year checklist for ESL teachers/students:

1. Administer the Access for ELL test for new students

2. Notify parents of ELL placement

3. Coordinate schedule within department and teachers

4. Provide classroom teachers with modifications, accommodations, and live binder:

Website: http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/2348666
Access Key: AIUTitleIII

5. Monitor exited students

Pennsylvania
ELD Standards

WIDA Can Do Descriptors