Imagine dropping your child off for their first day at their new school. What hopes do you have for them? How will they be welcomed into their classroom, make new friends and learn?
Now, imagine your child is new to English. How will your child learn English and reading, math, science, and social studies in English? Your child’s teacher might wonder which teaching practices are most effective and where to find accessible materials. In these situations, where can teachers find support?
Often, the administrator’s first call is to their local Area Education Agency (AEA). AEAs offer support to schools that draw on expertise from educational services, special education, and media/technology. This integrated support system involves collaboration among content specialists, offering a skilled approach to address the unique strengths and needs of each student. The AEA provides consultants for English learners who assist school staff with serving both students and their families.
AEA staff work alongside educators to teach and coach the implementation of effective teaching strategies and practices tailored for language learners. Additionally, consultants collaborate with AEA media staff to assist teachers with accessing a wealth of resources, including online materials, books in various formats, and curriculum kits specifically designed for teaching English as a new language.
In addition, AEAs partner with district administrators and English Learner teachers to implement state-issued guidance for the identification of students who are eligible for English learning programs and assist with adapting these services as students grow and needs change. They offer professional development opportunities for all staff, equipping them with skills to effectively teach content to students who are still developing English and support schools with family engagement, technical assistance with required English language assessments, and personalized coaching for teachers.
For students experiencing learning difficulties or those with individualized education plans (IEPs), the AEA team collaborates with teachers, administrators, and families to identify and address learning barriers. English Learner consultants work alongside special education consultants and teachers to distinguish between learning difficulties stemming from a language barrier or a learning disability. This collaborative effort ensures students receive the most appropriate support, whether it is specialized instruction or additional language instruction.
By working together, AEA staff create a comprehensive support system that empowers educators and equips them with tools and resources to foster a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students, regardless of their language background, can thrive.
Dr. Lisa Wymore is a consultant for English Language Learners with Central Rivers Area Education Agency. She can be reached at lwymore@centralriversaea.org. Central Rivers AEA serves over 63,500 students including 53 public school districts and 18 non-public school districts. In addition, nearly 5,000 educators rely on our agency for services in special education, school technology, media and instructional/curriculum support. The agency’s service area reaches 18 counties and nearly 9,000 square miles. Learn more at https://www.centralriversaea.org/about/.