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Self-Study: Supporting Multilingual Learners of English with Exceptional Needs

According to UNICEF, data has shown that there are over 200 million children around the world who have disabilities, and many don’t receive the resources they need. Within that population, children who are learning English as an additional language while living in a new country face unique challenges as they are adjusting to a new culture. In the U.S. alone, multilingual learners of English (MLEs) with disabilities are one of the fastest growing populations.

You have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of these learners. If you want to better support your multilingual learners of English with disabilities, we can show you how!

Developed by an English language teaching expert who specializes in bilingual special education; language and cultural diversity; culturally responsive practice; and brain development and disorders, our new 60-hour self-study course, Supporting Multilingual Learners of English With Exceptional Needs, will provide you with the foundational knowledge, tools, and resources you need to start helping your most vulnerable students.

Our course is divided into six content modules (in addition to an introductory module) and covers topics including the nature of disability; acculturation and resiliency; strategies and practices for supporting MLEs with disabilities; and differentiating between language or cultural difference and disability. You’ll have activities to help you immediately and concretely apply what you learn to your work.

Take the course at your own pace, when and where it's convenient for you!

Receive a digital badge and certificate when you complete it.

Read about our Registration & Return Policy.

Pricing

Type Rate
TESOL Member US$300
Global Member US$155
Nonmember US$410

Topics covered in each module:

  • Introductory Module: Overview of course and module structure
  • Module 1: Disability, acculturation and enculturation, and resiliency
  • Module 2: UDL and asset-based mindsets about diverse learners
  • Module 3: Categories of disability and the impact of various disabilities,
  • Module 4: Strategies and practices for collaboration in both ESOL and EFL settings,
  • Module 5: Assessment and differentiation between disability, language and cultural difference
  • Module 6: Programming, interventions, and services for MLs who have disabilities.

Each module follows a five-part lesson structure designed to allow you opportunities to master new content, apply your new knowledge, and reflect on what you've learned. These components are: prepare, learn, practice, implement, and reflect.

K–12 practitioners working with limited English students in general education, bilingual education, ESOL/ELL education, and special education.

After taking the course, you'll;

  • Understand the relevance of acculturation, enculturation, and resiliency for your MLEs with disabilities.
  • Be aware of different types of disabilities and the impact they can have on learning.
  • Understand ways to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
  • Have effective strategies and practices you can use to collaborate on behalf of your MLEs with disabilities.
  • Know recommended steps you can take to assess a student who may have a disability and/or a difference.
  • Be able to use best practices when selecting programming, interventions, and services for multilingual learners with disabilities.

TESOL online courses are asynchronous, which means that you can log in at any time. You should plan to spend approximately 10 hours in each module for a total of 60 hours.

Each module includes a variety of learning materials, including PowerPoint guides, video clips describing the objectives and goals for each module, readings, and quizzes. You must score 80% or higher on each module quiz before moving on to the next module.

When you finish the course, you will receive a certificate of completion listing the hours of professional development you spent on the course and a digital badge.

All course materials are available on TESOL’s online course platform. Cost for the materials is included in the registration fee.

Questions? Contact us.
Self-study courses are nonrefundable.

After completing this course, consider taking one of our other self-study courses or our shorter TESOL ME modules!

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