Graduate Course Description

Overview

Apply the knowledge, skills, and resources to service English language learners in their journey to becoming linguistically proficient. Identify academic content then design and deliver appropriate instruction for second language learners so they may compete with native speakers in a consistently competitive global and information society.

As accessing information is vital for all learners, teachers will be prepared to facilitate second language learners in the classroom in becoming self-directed so they can confidently use English in listening, speaking, reading and writing for social and academic purposes. The overall goal is to prepare for the drastically changing demographics in our student clientele by preparing teachers to effectively create learning communities that service the English language learners and their families for a future of success and lifelong learning. There is little doubt that a great difference exists between teaching native English speakers and second language learners. Teachers must be conscious of the daily challenge English language learners face as they confront multiple subjects through a sometimes difficult, second language lens.
The foundation of this course rests on the current Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) standards, which are included in the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) national standards for teacher education. These standards target five domains: language, culture, planning, assessment, and professionalism. Using TESOL standards aids teachers in constructing learning environments that support second language learning and literacy development as well as content area achievement.

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Target Audience: All K-16 educators; Prerequisite: entry-level technology skills.

Time Requirement: 6-8 hours per week

Course Format: Eight-week, facilitator-led with weekly assignments, and 24/7 online access

Graduate Credit: 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours

Technology Requirements
In addition to a computer, Internet connection (high-speed preferable), and a working email account, PLS courses have the following technical requirements:

• Preferred Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac OS X
• Preferred Browsers: For an optimal experience use Internet Explorer 7 or 8 (PC), or Mozilla Firefox 3 (PC or Mac).
  Updated versions of Web browsers are free from the following links:
  Internet Explorer , Firefox
• Required Software: Microsoft Word, google tools: mail, docs, presentations (free use), and Wikispaces account
• Required Web Browser Plug-In: Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Reader™ This plug-in is required to view any of the PDFs within a course. Adobe® Reader™ may be downloaded for free using the following link: Adobe

Please note:

• If using Internet Explorer 6.0, security settings must be set to accept cookies.
• If using Internet Explorer 7 or 8, please add pls.rsmart.com to your list of trusted Web sites by going to: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy tab > Sites

The following applications will be used by the participants. These are freeware programs available via the Web or are free to download. Course instructions will include directions on how to install or use these applications.

• Google tools: mail, docs, presentations (free use)
• Wikispaces account