English language learners are some of the fastest growing groups in the U.S., and the trend is likely to continue. English language learners face a multitude of challenges at school and in work.
Parents of English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Language Learners (ELL) frequently face communication barriers with schools. Every day school activities and communication with administrators and teachers is a challenge for both the parents and the school staff. This is especially true when learning disabilities and special education are involved. Explore ways schools can effectively accommodate families with language differences in special education programs.
More Resources for English Language Learners
Preschoolers are like little sponges soaking up information and learning new things from their environment every day. They may not be able to tell you what they are learning, but they are receptively learning concepts. You can reinforce this learning and also introduce early sight word recognition with these tips.
More on Teaching Sight Words
Some people insist that the least restrictive environment is always the regular classroom. Full inclusion in the regular classroom is always the best placement for every child. But is that necessarily true? While it is true that many children with learning disabilities can learn in the
regular classroom with support such as collaboration, some students founder and fail. Others, especially older students, object to getting extra attention in front of their non-disabled classmates. Some student's physical needs are so significant that placement in a regular classroom is embarrassing to them. The answer is that there is no single placement that is always appropriate for every child all the time.
During your child's initial placement meeting or during his annual review, the IEP team will discuss his progress, his learning needs, and his educational placement. Federal special education regulations require that students be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Learn what LRE means, how it is determined, and what placement options can be considered for your child.
If your child has a learning disability, depending on the degree of severity, his school may consider serving him in a special education program or providing adaptations and accommodations under Section 504. Learn more about Section 504 and whether it may be appropriate for your child.
