This podcast explores evidence-based instructional practices for teachers that are relevant for English learners (ELs) in kindergarten through Grade 12. Panelists discuss the evidence-based practice of leveraging ELs’ home language, prior knowledge, and cultural assets.

Implementing Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for English Learners

This podcast explores evidence-based instructional practices for teachers that are relevant for English learners (ELs) in grades kindergarten through 12. Evidence-based instructional practices for ELs include:

1.	Provide ELs with opportunities to build content knowledge and language competence in tandem. 
2.	Leverage ELs’ home language, prior knowledge, and cultural assets.
3.	Engage ELs in productive interactions with peers.
4.	Provide direct and explicit instruction focusing on key aspects of literacy.
5.	Incorporate regular opportunities to develop written language skills.

This podcast focuses on the practice of leveraging ELs’ home language, prior knowledge, and cultural assets. In Part 1, Kristin Simonne, Education Program Specialist at OELA, speaks with Jennifer Blitz, an expert from WestEd, on the recommendations regarding ELs and evidence-based instructional practices, and how these practices can support them in their development of content knowledge and language.

Implementing Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for English Learners – Part 1

This podcast explores evidence-based instructional practices for teachers that are relevant for English learners (ELs) in grades kindergarten through 12. Evidence-based instructional practices for ELs include:

1.	Provide ELs with opportunities to build content knowledge and language competence in tandem. 
2.	Leverage ELs’ home language, prior knowledge, and cultural assets.
3.	Engage ELs in productive interactions with peers.
4.	Provide direct and explicit instruction focusing on key aspects of literacy.
5.	Incorporate regular opportunities to develop written language skills.

This podcast focuses on the practice of leveraging ELs’ home language, prior knowledge, and cultural assets. In Part 2, Kristin Simonne, Education Program Specialist at OELA, connects with Thea Fabian, a Vice Principal of a K–8 school in California’s Central Valley, for a look at how educators in the field are implementing this practice, including examples of the work Ms. Fabian and her school have been engaged in.

Implementing Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for English Learners – Part 2

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) provides national leadership to help ensure that English learners (ELs) and immigrant students attain English proficiency and achieve academic success.

The OELA Podcast Series is based on teaching practice briefs that highlight promising practices in EL instruction related to science, mathematics, and early childhood education. Each episode features an interview between an OELA staff member and the author of the teaching practice brief.

Visit ncela.ed.gov for more EL resources.