External Resources by Topic
The links below lead you to websites not associated with the Virginia Department of Education. VDOE does not necessarily endorse the views expressed or the data and facts presented on these external sites. VDOE does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services.
The sections below include:
- Virginia-Based and National Organizations with links to EL-specific resources
- Instructional Resources and Materials
- EL Instruction Research and Best Practices
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Virginia-Based and National Organizations with links to EL-specific resources (in response to COVID-19)
These organizations curate resource lists that include links to multilingual communication supports, language-learning software and practice programs, leveled and multilingual reading resources, technology tools, and lesson planning resources and supports. Please refer to your division’s acceptable use policies when implementing technology tools, digital resources, and other instructional materials.
- Virginia ESL Supervisor’s Association (VESA)
- Virginia Teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages (VATESOL)
- National Association for English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA)
- Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) at VCU : Resources for English Learners, Families, and School Personnel during COVID-19 (Available in English and Spanish)
Instructional Resources & Materials (for use with students)
- Glossaries for ELL/MLL Accommodations (This resource may be used for instructional purposes, but is not an allowable accommodation or resource permitted for use on any Virginia statewide content assessments (e.g., SOL, EOC, and VAAP)
Reading Resources (for leveled passages, audio, and various languages)
EL Instruction Research & Best Practices
Instruction for ELs should include explicit academic language development strategies and scaffolds (WIDA ELD Standards) at the same time as grade-level content instruction (SOL).
Academic Language Instruction: General Resources and Databases
Searchable Databases and Sites of Resources and Articles:
- Colorín Colorado – Bilingual site for educators and families of ELs. Includes resources on a variety of topics.
- Edutopia- Articles for best practices in education (Note: Search “English Language Learners”, “Differentiation”, “Productive Talk”, etc.)
- English Language Learner/Multilingual Learner Educator Tools and Best Practices (NY State Department of Education) – A wide range of materials, scaffolds, curriculum modules, instructional briefs, and links to additional materials.
- National Association of English Learner Program Administrators – Provides lists of resources for supporting EL learning, periodic webinars, newsletters, and an annual national conference
- Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) – Links to resources and guidance from the US Department of Education
- Enhancing Learning with Authentic Communication (Jeff Zwiers) – Site for resources, teaching tools, and videos featuring key engagement strategies focused on communication for content learning
- National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) – Searchable database that includes research articles, literature reviews, reports, classroom materials, curricula, fact sheets, multimedia products, and more—to help stakeholders learn about and advance EL education
- Understanding Language (Stanford University) – Resources for Language, Literacy, and Learning in the Content Areas , including Professional Learning Modules
Guides, Handbooks, Toolkits, and Webinars
- EL Toolkit (US Department of Education) – Includes tools and resources for working with ELs
- EL Multiliteracy Symposium Archived Webinar (NCELA)
- Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary and Middle School (Institute of Educational Sciences: What Works Clearinghouse): Guidebook
Culturally Responsive Instruction
- Culturally Responsive Education Webinar Module (CEEDAR) Culturally Responsive Education Webinar Module – A course enhancement module (CEM) designed to ensure every educator meets the needs of each learner
- Culturally Responsive Teaching Checklist (Reimagining Migration) – Lists instructional actions and guiding questions
- Diversity Toolkit (NEA) – Online toolkit with strategies, tools, and suggestions for learning more
- Moving Toward Cultural Responsiveness-A Guide for Teachers: Includes infographics and guiding questions
- Preparing for Cultural Diversity (Edutopia): Article with resource links
- Superintendent’s Memo #050-19 - Resources to Support Student and Community Dialogues on Racism-This is a Word document.
- Teaching Tolerance – Standards for Social Justice Education
- Teachers Trauma Informed Toolkit – Video links and activity questions
Differentiation: Scaffolding, Supports, Strategies
- Building Blocks for the Success of English Language Learners (edWeb) Webinar, VA presenter
- GO TO Strategies (Center for Applied Linguistics) – List of scaffolding and engagement options and activities
- K20 Learn (University of Oklahoma) – Interactive database to search and filter strategies for engaging ELs
- Star Talk: Classroom Activities Collection (University of Maryland) Database for strategies, activities, and resources
Dual Language
- Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education 3rd Edition, Resource outlining practices and policies (CAL)
- National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) – Articles and resources related to bilingual education
- Seal of Biliteracy – VDOE information on award certification for graduates
Family Engagement
- Colorín Colorado – Bilingual site to search for articles, for educators and families of ELs
- English Learner Family Toolkit-This is a PDF document. (US Department of Education): Lists of rights, resources, and questions for families to ask about their student’s education
- Family Engagement Webinar (NCELA)
- Reading Tips for Parents (in Multiple Languages) (Reading Rockets)
Leadership for Equity
- College-Ready English Learners: New High School English & English Language Development Curriculum Promotes Equality (WestEd Webinar)
- Key Steps for Implementing a Schoolwide Approach That Supports K-8 Emergent Bilingual Students: ASCD Webinar
- Promoting Success for Teachers of English Learners-This is a PDF document. – Tool based on Marzano Framework for teacher evaluation from CCSSO
- Promoting Success for Teachers of English Learners Through Structured Observations (CCSSO)-This is a PDF document. – Research Report
Technology and Virtual Learning
- How to Use Technology to Support ELLs in Your Classroom (Common Sense Education) – Article that describes 5 strategies with links to tools and resources
- Using Educational Technology- 21st Century Supports for English Learners (US ED): Toolkit-This is a PDF document.
Specific Content Area Connections
Humanities (ELA, Fine Arts, History, Social Sciences)
- Art as a Tool for Teachers of English Learners-This is a PDF document. (NY State Education Department) – Handbook that includes approaches and strategies for arts integration for ELs
- ELLs and Social Studies-This is a PDF document. (New York University) – Teacher handbook with examples, resource links, and strategies
- ELs Need Arts Integration (Common Sense Education) –Article that includes sites and application suggestions for integrating the arts
- Navigating Text Complexity; Syntax (CCSSO)– List of considerations and strategies,includes additional links
- Scaffolding Writing through the “Teaching and Learning Cycle” (WestEd) – Research report that includes strategies
- Using the Arts to Support ELs (Kennedy Center) – Article that includes ideas and tips
STEM (Mathematics and Sciences)
- Doing and Talking Math and Science (WDA) – Site with teaching tools and videos
- Framework for Re-envisioning Mathematics Instruction for English Language Learners-This is a PDF document.
- Improve Learning Outcomes in STEM for English Learners (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) – Consensus Report, free downloadable PDF of the book
- Teaching Mathematics to English Language Learners (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) – Position paper
Specific Demographics of ELs
Recently Arrived ELs (to the U.S. within the last 12 months)
- Newcomer Toolkit-This is a PDF document. (US Department of Education) – Includes tools and resources for working with Newcomer ELs
- Creating New Futures for Newcomers: Lessons from Five Schools that Serve K-12 Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylees (WestEd) – Research report that describes promising and effective strategies
- Exemplary Programs for Newcomer English Language Learners at the Secondary Level (Center for Applied Linguistics) – Research database and report
- Supporting Immigrants in Schools<-This is a PDF document. (CU NY) – Resource Guide with lists of reading materials, curricula, and fimls for supporting immingrants in schools
- Welcoming Newcomers (Harvard School of Education) – Provides links to relevant research and resources
Dually Identified ELs (ELs with identified disabilities)
- Alternate English Language Learning Assessment Project (ALTELLA) – (Wisconsin Center for Educational Research in partnership with WIDA) – Reports and tools for supporting ELs with significant cognitive disabilities
- Identifying English Learners with Disabilities Infographic (Regional Educational Laboratory)