What am I Responsible For?

I came across this a blog post from a colleague (who has a great blog that can be found here) and thought I would pass along the information since it is concise and helpful for mainstream classroom teachers. Often, mainstream teachers wonder what role they may play in the education of their ESL students and exactly what they are accountable for. Here are a few of the responsibilities of the mainstream teacher:

1. Be sure that the student has been identified as an English Language Learner (ELL) and is receiving services. This process is normally begun via the Home Language Survey (HLS), but if you have a student that you suspect is an ELL, you should be sure that they have been identified as such and are receiving services.
2. Teach Annual Measurable Achievement Outcomes (AMAOs). These are language development and proficiency goals that are mandated by Title III of NCLB. 
3. Implement necessary accommodations. Typically, an ESL student will have a Program Services Plan (PSP) that will inform you of the accommodations they qualify for. You are required to provide these accommodations throughout the school year.
4. Communicate with parents/caregivers in a language they understand. This may mean you utilize an interpreter or translation services.