Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners ELLs in Florida: Curricular Implications

1. Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners (ELLs)  in Florida: Curricular Implications  FACTE Pre-Conference Workshop University of South Florida – October 19, 2011 Dr. Jane Govoni Dr. Gloria M Pelaez, University of Miami 1

2. The Legal Foundation The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) et al. vs. The State Board of Education (SBE) et al. Consent Decree (1990) Florida’s framework for compliance with federal and State laws and jurisprudence regarding the education of ELLs Addresses the civil rights of these students with the primary right of equal access to comprehensible instruction http://www.fldoe.org/aala/cdpage2.asp Stipulation Modifying Consent Decree (2003) Presents additional training in ESOL for administrators, guidance counselors, and school psychologists, as well as information for those seeking ESOL certification http://www.fldoe.org/aala/pdf/stipulation.pdf   2 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) et al. vs. The State Board of Education (SBE) et al. Consent Decree (1990) is Florida’s framework for compliance with federal and state laws and jurisprudence regarding the education of ELLs. It addresses the civil rights of these students, with the primary right of equal access to comprehensible instruction. Stipulation Modifying Consent Decree, (2003) presents additional training in ESOL for administrators and guidance counselors, as well as information for those seeking ESOL certification. League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) et al. vs. The State Board of Education (SBE) et al. Consent Decree (1990) is Florida’s framework for compliance with federal and state laws and jurisprudence regarding the education of ELLs. It addresses the civil rights of these students, with the primary right of equal access to comprehensible instruction. Stipulation Modifying Consent Decree, (2003) presents additional training in ESOL for administrators and guidance counselors, as well as information for those seeking ESOL certification.

3. Background Section IV of the LULAC et al. Consent Decree addresses personnel requirements for ESOL. The LULAC et al. Consent Decree does not include language stipulating the need for ESOL-related training at the pre-service level; however, the need became obvious for teacher preparation professionals and school districts in Florida. The first Elementary Education program with an infused ESOL Endorsement was approved in 1998 at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and led to changes to Section 1004.04, Florida Statutes.   3

4. Section 1004.04, Florida Statutes INTENT: Courses and school-based experiences include instruction, observation, practice, and competency–based demonstration in teaching strategies for the instruction of English language learners (ELLs) which meet the requirements set forth in the ESOL Consent Decree. 4