Scenario Response 3

What differences do you think these students will encounter?  Name some steps you will take to address their separate needs and issues they may come to school with.

These two students not only will face many academic challenges, but they will also present a complicated difference in social and emotional growth.  The student who has studied extensively in her native language will have a rich depth of background knowledge and vocabulary that can be used when she is learning her new language.  It can also be assumed that she is supported at home both academically and emotionally.  The student who has been affected by civil war however, not only will face academic deficits, but will need a wide range of emotional support and therapy.  The second student’s academic progress will be slower, as she will need to have her emotional needs met before her educators can begin to work on the academic issues.

What are some of the linguistic challenges you will need to prepare for, and how will you know to prepare for them? You may wish to review the English Language Learners' Program Handbook in this module.

Some of the challenges that I will need to prepare for include incorporating and adapting to cultural norms and tradition when providing linguistic education, and creating relationships with the student’s families when a language barrier is present.  In order to adequately prepare for an English language learner, it is essential to provide a Home Language Survey.  This not only provides important information regarding the student, but also opens the lines of communication between the teacher and the student’s family.  Once this information  is collected, an educational plan can be developed.  These types of surveys will also help to better understand the student’s native culture and home environment.