1. Reaching Your Limited English Speakers
Teaching LES Students

2. Even Native English Speakers can be LES students
So, let’s teach them where they are. Tired of hearing comments like, “Yeah. Janice is just bad at math (or English, or science…) Or, “Those scores are typical of certain types of students?”
I suggest we do what the county once asked us to do- teach them where they are.
If a student struggles with writing complete sentences, stop pressuring that person to finish a timed essay! Give them a chance to perfect the skill they need, THEN move on. Scaffolding wins again!

3. Even Native English Speakers can be LES students
All students working to acquire language, native speakers included, have strengths and weaknesses.
LES students are at Level 3 on the WIDA Can Do Descriptor chart.
Imagine the improvement in your students grades if they were able to spend just a little time mastering the skills listed for Level 3 students!
Being proficient in these skills is a prerequisite for passing any standardized test, but more importantly, these skills are a prerequisite for being a successful, independent person AFTER high school.

4. Even Native English Speakers can be LES students
Now make it fun- depending on the assignment, it’s easy to pair students with others to work to demonstrate language acquisition. They’ve acquired the ability to show you with their words their understanding of the content taught.
You may want to pair an advanced speaker with an NES or LES speaker; you may want to pair like students- LES with LES for example.
By using the Can Do Descriptors, its easy for students to demonstrate proficiency or mastery and easy for you to see it.

5. Even Native English Speakers can be LES students
Allowing LES students time to demonstrate proficiency of Level 3 skills may take a little time. But, most of us would rather be certain a foundation is firm before we start building a house on it. 
Some LES students may master the Level 3 skills and be ready for their next challenge. Conveniently, WIDA provides a fourth level of language acquisition.
At this point, it is my opinion that Level 4 skills can be taught/demonstrated to either LES students, or Advanced speakers. It depends on the assignment and the student. Your experience may differ.

6. Even Native English Speakers can be LES students
As you peruse your curriculum guides and collaborate with colleagues, you’ll see that the Can Do Descriptors can often inspire creativity in the way you plan your lessons.
More importantly, using the curriculum guides and descriptors should change the way you see your students.
You’ll start to group them in your mind as students who “can do,” instead of “can’t do.”
Now you’re an ESOL teacher!