What are the principles of academic language proficiency that underlie the TESOL English language proficiency standards? Lee Neal EESL 650

Lee Neal EESL 650

Principle 1 Language proficiency is an outgrowth of cumulative experiences both inside and outside of school. Lee Neal EESL 650

Language proficiency is an outgrowth of cumulative experiences both inside and outside of school. In school teachers can use a students background and knowledge to build academic language proficiency. Many ELLs use English outside of school to talk to friends, translate for family, and communicate on their jobs building social language proficiency. Lee Neal EESL 650

Principle 2 Language proficiency can reflect complex thinking when linguistic complexity is reduced and support is present. Lee Neal EESL 650

Language proficiency can reflect complex thinking when linguistic complexity is reduced and support is present. Students’ skill level in a language does not need to limit their level of thinking. Teachers can use strategies and instructional supports that enable their students to engage meaningfully in the learning process. Lee Neal EESL 650

Principle 3 Both social and academic language proficiencies are necessary for school success. Lee Neal EESL 650

Both social and academic language proficiencies are necessary for school success. Social and academic language proficiencies often develop together in school. Teachers need to be aware of both e social demands of school and the academic language needed to succeed in each content. Lee Neal EESL 650

Principle 4 Academic language proficiency works in tandem with academic achievement. Lee Neal EESL 650

Academic language proficiency works in tandem with academic achievement. Students need academic language in order to understand and express themselves in classes. Attaching the academic language to the skills and knowledge required in the content makes academic achievement more accessible. Lee Neal EESL 650

Principle 5 Academic language proficiency is developed through sustained content-based language instruction. Lee Neal EESL 650

Academic language proficiency is developed through sustained content-based language instruction. TESOL English language proficiency standards offer ways for educators to assist students in accessing content through language in the core content areas. For students to achieve success in content areas, they need to “talk” the language of each content area. Lee Neal EESL 650

Principle 6 Native language proficiency- in particular, academic language proficiency in the native language- facilitates the acquisition of academic language proficiency in English. Lee Neal EESL 650

Native language proficiency- in particular, academic language proficiency in the native language- facilitates the acquisition of academic language proficiency in English. ELLs whose native language is strongly developed have foundational knowledge and skills that transfer to a new language. These students can better recognize, comprehend, and apply new vocabulary and language patterns in a second language. Lee Neal EESL 650