English Language Learning in School Settings: Program Overview
It means commitment to developing curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy that enable K-12 English Language Learners to be full participants in the school community and to develop academic language proficiency.
Who might participate in this program?
- A second grade teacher who is interested in the relationship between English language learning and the learning of science
- A fifth grade teacher who has five bilingual students every year and isn't sure how best to teach them
- A ninth grade social studies teacher who would like to work with English language learners on grade-level content
- A high school math teacher who would like to know how to use language more effectively in teaching diverse students
- A language arts teacher who wants to develop better knowledge about language across the curriculum
- Anyone who wants to better understand and contribute to the academic development of English learners
English Language Learning in School Settings is designed for teachers at all levels (K-12) and in all subject areas who wish to continue their practical, intellectual, and professional development by focusing on the particular issues faced by English learners in our schools. It is especially targeted to practicing teachers who would like to expand their roles in schools by becoming leaders in the development of programs for ELLs and as resources for colleagues.
Research projects by faculty and students in the program include:
- Analyzing the language of history textbooks to identify challenges for struggling readers and to develop strategies teachers can use to help students read grade-level material
- Analyzing the writing of second language learners in school subjects to develop descriptions of the language features that teachers can most effectively address in their work with English language learners
- Analyzing discourse in mathematics classrooms to identify instructional strategies that work with diverse learners
- Improving instruction in mathematics literacy for K-5 students
This program is a collaboration between the School of Education and the English Language Institute at the University of Michigan.
Specialized courses include:
- Educational linguistics
- Second language learning
- Language analysis for second language teaching and learning
- Perspectives in second language learning and instruction
- Second language assessment
- The sociocultural context of ESL teaching
Participants will learn to analyze language to identify the challenges of the curriculum in different subject areas and to assess the development of second language learners' English language proficiency. Students will also undertake an action research project in which they analyze language in an English as a second language pedagogical context.
The program is designed to offer flexibility, with three electives selected by each student in consultation with an advisor. A required cognate from English Language Institute (ELI) courses and optional other specialized cognates will enable participants to get a rich perspective on a range of issues related to the education of English language learners.
This degree specialization is housed within the Educational Studies program, which fosters links among students and faculty in a number of specializations sharing a commitment to the integration of theory and research on teaching, learning, and educational access in P-12 settings.
What else would you like to learn about the Master's program?
I would like to see a list of faculty and their research interests.
I have questions about the Master's program which still need answering.
I would like to see a list of Master's degree course requirements.
