Teaching English Language Learners (TELL)

15 credit hours

EDCI 55900 – Academic Language and Content Area Learning
(Spring course, 1st 8 weeks)
This course focuses on the linguistic challenges faced by English language learners in the content areas of science, language arts, mathematics, and the social studies. The course links these challenges to English language instruction and subject-matter instruction in English for ELLs who are in mainstream classrooms. The course emphasizes assessment tools designed to assess content knowledge and links these to issues of language development. This course requires field experiences in schools.

EDCI 51900 – Teaching English Language Learners
(Spring course, 2nd 8 weeks)
This course addresses second language instruction and subject-matter instruction in English for ELL students who are in mainstream classrooms. The purpose of this course is to provide students with information necessary to the design of materials and instructional strategies for English language learners P-12. The course considers the nature of immigrants’ experiences of a new country and school context, focuses on the current issues and techniques in instruction for students who are at the beginning or intermediate stages of English language acquisition in the school context. This course requires field experiences in schools.

EDCI 55700 – Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
(Summer course, 4 weeks)
This 4-week online summer course will provide a critical review of research and practice in language proficiency and content-area assessment of English Language Learners (ELLs) and other culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in K-12 education. We will explore the sociocultural dimensions of standardized testing, academic achievement, and accountability. Students will conduct critical analyses of standardized testing instruments and learn to develop alternative classroom-based language, literacy, and content-area assessments appropriate for ELL and CLD students.

EDCI 53000 – English Language Development
(Fall course, 1st 8 weeks)
This course focuses on knowledge about how second languages are learned and on the educational basis for second language teaching and learning. The course links English language development to teaching and learning strategies. In addition to a case study and final report, students will collaborate in small groups to create online multimedia poster presentations that summarize key points and issues. This course requires field experiences in schools.

EDCI 52600 – Language Study for Educators
(Fall course, 2nd 8 weeks)
Students will gain information about central concepts from descriptive and applied linguistics, applying these to analyze language and interaction between teachers and ELs for effective teaching. The major assignments for the course are two classroom observations and the planning, teaching, and evaluation of two lessons conducted with small groups of ELs. This course requires field experiences in schools.

In addition to successful completion of the above courses, candidates are also required to attend and to participate in a state, national, or international conference on English Language Learning (e.g., TESOL, NABE, AAAL, INTESOL, IN K-12 ESL) during enrollment in the program. Candidates will write a reflection on their participation. Participation includes (a) giving a professional presentation (paper presentation, colloquium, poster, demonstration, or round table discussion); and (b) volunteering to work on a conference committee or to moderate or chair a session.

Beginning June 1, 2014, all licensure students are required to pass the Indiana CORE Assessment for Educators that applies to teaching English Learners. Information about this test can be obtained at the Indiana CORE Assessments for Educator Licensure website. Candidates will register for test code 019: English Learners.

At the end of the licensure program, candidates will complete an online portfolio. Portfolio sections correspond to Purdue’s ELL Licensure Program Teacher Outcomes and Standards. Products to be included in each section will be developed throughout the program, in each course. Candidates will also include their reflection on participation in a professional conference as part of the portfolio. Portfolio components will be assessed by means of rubrics that correlate with the TESOL/CAEP Standards. Portfolio components will be compiled in alignment with each course completed for the program, also correlated with the TESOL/CAEP Standards.

To complete the ELL Licensure Program and obtain your ELL license, make sure that you have:

• Completed all 5 courses
• Obtained a passing score on the Pearson content test for English Learners (#019)
• Uploaded all assessments to the English Language Learning Online Portfolio

Please see our webpage on Graduate Application Helpful Tips. If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please reach out to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Application Steps

1. Create an application account and log in to start your graduate application.
2. Select the following options for the Teaching English Language Learners K-12 Graduate Certificate (non-licensure) program:
   • Campus and Program Tab:
     • Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
     • Select your proposed graduate major: Curriculum and Instruction
   • First Choice Program Details Tab:
     • Please select an Area of Interest: English Language Learning
     • Please select a degree objective: Teaching English Language Learners K-12 Graduate Certificate
     • Primary Course Delivery: Distance (Online)
       1. The Residential program is only available for current Purdue graduate students.
3. Some sections of the application that are NOT required include the following:
   • In the Additional Information section, faculty selections are not required. Faculty advisors are assigned by the program.
   • Test Scores
4. Upload the required materials, listed below. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about these requirements.
   • Transcripts for every institution of higher education attended (a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or equivalent is required), including evidence of an awarded baccalaureate degree. For degrees still in progress – if admitted, the applicant will be required to submit a final transcript showing evidence of an awarded degree during the second session of enrollment. 
   • Personal History Statement
   • Academic Statement of Purpose
   • International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5. Once you are ready to submit your graduate application, please complete all sections and submit the application. The application must be fully submitted and the application fee paid in order for your application to be reviewed and considered for admission.
6. Check the status of your submitted application by logging into the application portal.
7. Once your application is complete, you will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Studies indicating that your application is complete and will be submitted for review.