What Can a Mathematics Teacher Do for the English Language Learner?

In fall of 2006, the Texas Comprehensive Center led a professional development session for mathematics and ESL specialists from the 20 Texas education service centers (ESCs). During the session, entitled Strategies for English Language Learners in Secondary Mathematics, practical ideas were collected and converted into an online interactive document. The strategies that were derived take into account a student’s English language proficiency level, in order to improve the students’ mathematics comprehension.

The document is divided into three sections:

• Levels of Student Language Proficiency
• Key Components of Successful Strategies for ELLs in Secondary Math
• References

In the first section, teaching strategies are suggested for students at the levels of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and advanced high. Key Components of Successful Strategies for ELLs in Secondary Math provides detailed information and examples of critical components to include when designing math lessons for ELLs. These components include language objectives, interactive lessons, academic language, and assessment. The References section lists the most highly relevant resources related to ELL and mathematics.