English Language Learners (PD)

This course provides K-12 educators with foundational knowledge of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations, first and second language acquisition, and literacy development for English learners. Participants examine educational and legal definitions and terminology, stages and theories of language acquisition, cultural and contextual factors that influence learning, and the relationship between language development and academic literacy. The course addresses the English Learner Professional Development Quality Standards and provides the required 45 clock hours of professional development.

Participants apply this knowledge to classroom practice by selecting and adapting curricular materials, aligning academic tasks with students' language-development needs, supporting literacy across content areas, and using formative and summative assessment practices that provide a more equitable picture of student learning. The course emphasizes practical strategies educators can use to increase access to grade-level content while supporting English learners' language, literacy, and academic development.

Enrollment, Delivery, and Completion Information

• EDUC 5597: English Language Learners

• Course Completion: 45 clock hours awarded upon successful completion (graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)

• Enrollment Type: Open enrollment with self-registration

• Completion Timeframe: Six months from the date of enrollment

• Delivery Format: Fully online

• Purpose: K-12 professional development for recertification/relicensure and, where applicable, salary advancement.*

*Always check your state’s relicensure requirements and your school or district’s requirements before registering for a course to confirm how the course may be used.  

Recertification and Professional Advancement Statement

Successful completion of this course results in a satisfactory or unsatisfactory completion status. This course provides 45 clock hours of professional development that may be applied toward teacher license renewal or recertification requirements. Learners enroll as non-matriculated students, and course completion is recorded on an Idaho State University transcript.

Depending on state, district, employer, and applicable salary schedule requirements, these clock hours may also be eligible for salary advancement, lane movement, or other forms of professional advancement. Acceptance and application of clock hours toward recertification, salary advancement, or other professional purposes are determined by the relevant state board of education, licensing authority, school district, human resources office, collective bargaining agreement, district policy, or other approving entity. Educators are encouraged to verify eligibility and obtain any required pre-approval before enrolling.

Student Expectations

Learners are expected to complete all activities and engage with the content in good faith. The course includes academically engaging learning through readings, lectures, videos, applied activities, and other instructional materials designed to support professional learning and implementation in educational settings. Successful completion requires meaningful participation in all required course components and learning activities as described below:

• Spend the time necessary to complete all assigned learning materials, activities, and assessments in support of the course learning outcomes

• Demonstrate thoughtful and substantive engagement by applying course knowledge through high-quality, timely work that produces practical strategies, tools, resources, or artifacts ready for use in educational settings

Required Materials and Technology

Students must have regular access to a reliable laptop or desktop computer capable of loading and running standard software.

The computer must support word processing, presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat files (PDF), file downloads and uploads,  and viewing videos.

The learning management system supports mobile devices, but mobile access should be considered supplemental only. Mobile devices may limit a student’s ability to complete assignments successfully, particularly those involving file handling, multimedia creation, lesson plan development, or other course activities.

An up-to-date browser on any computer or device is required, along with a reliable internet connection.

General Technology Hardware for Online/Hybrid Courses - ISU Help Desk

No textbook purchase is required for this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze key characteristics of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations and explain how educational, linguistic, cultural, and legal considerations shape support for English learners.

• Apply theories and stages of first and second language acquisition, including BICS and CALP, to select instructional approaches that align with students’ language development, cognitive demands, and academic needs.

• Design and implement literacy and content instruction that uses appropriate strategies, tasks, texts, and materials to support English learners at varying levels of language proficiency.

• Evaluate factors that influence English learners’ academic and cultural adjustment and apply responsive classroom practices that support engagement, access, and equitable participation.

• Select and use appropriate formative and summative assessments to monitor English learners’ language and content development and adjust instruction based on demonstrated needs.

Course Modules

Assignments and Grading

Successful course completion requires participants to complete all required learning activities and achieve a score of at least 80%.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow institutional policies on academic honesty. Plagiarism, cheating, or misrepresentation of work undermines learning and will result in appropriate consequences as defined by university policy. If you are unsure whether something is acceptable, ask before submitting work.

Accessibility and Disability Services

The university is committed to providing an accessible learning environment. If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, contact the Disability Services office as early as possible to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be arranged. Students without documentation who believe they may have a disability or learning difference are encouraged to consult Disability Services about evaluation options and campus resources.