I am a new ESL Coordinator at a Middle School. The school year is barely beginning. At the very end of classes today, I had an 8th grade language arts teacher pull me aside and tell me that one of her students did not seem to understand the english instructions given to the rest of the class and she was told by some of his fellow students that he "doesn't speak english". I am brand new at this job so I am not sure what my first steps should be to help this student. If anyone has any practical advice or suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
What is your background when it comes to ESL instruction? I'm curious because you're the coordinator, and this seems like something a coordinator would have experience handling.
WIDA Screening. Check out the online screener. I, too would like to know your education in this field. I am aware that there are wide differences in the amount and type of ESL programs, and that they may vary by state. Some states have a fairly easy test, while others require graduate credits or a master's degree. If your school drew straws andyou lost with the short straw, you are at a distinct disadvantage. If you lack skills and/or experience, you have to decide how to fix the deficits. If you don't know WIDA, that would be a good place to start.
So the school year is just starting and you may not know every ELL yet which is ok (we just finished testing in my district). Online there are lots of lists for strategies that you can send teachers to help ELLs. One thing I would suggest is letting that student use a language dictionary or google translate in class. Also if another student speaks the same language but is proficient you can tell the teacher to buddy them up (this is very helpful for emergent level students). Let me know if you need advice/resources I'm also a new ELL coordinator
