ESOL and Learning Disabilities

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Central/Southeast and
• Northeast ABLE Resource Centers

LD Training Video 8
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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Learning Disabilities the general term for a
  group of disorders
• Affects language processing
• Visual/auditory/spatial-motor disorders
• Central nervous system dysfunction
• Causes difficulties with basic skills

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Learning Disabilities may affect
• Phonological processing
• Word storage and retrieval
• Vocabulary development
• Written expression
• Concentration and focus (ADHD)

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Language learning is a process of communication
  which includes
• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Culture

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• LANGUAGE learning
• Is a slow process
• Integrates all 4 language skills
• Is non-linear
• Is affected by cultural considerations

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Personal considerations
• Age
• Native language literacy
• Type and duration of schooling
• Amount of exposure to English
• Personality
• Level of English competence

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Native language complications
• Reading/writing directionality
• Type of alphabet/symbols
• Phonemic and phonetic structure
• Linguistic interference

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• What do we know?
• Language learning is complicated
• Language learning problems can parallel /mimic
  learning difficulties
• Not all language learning difficulties are
  learning disabilities

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• When problems persist be aware
• Limited screenings exist
• Screenings require a level of language competence
• Diagnostic testing must be in native language
• A lack of research based resources
• Cultural attitudes vary

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• What can we do
• All students should receive vision and hearing
  screening
• Gather personal information at orientation
• Establish realistic goals
• Give Assessment tests

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• What can we do (contd)
• Learn about language complications
• Compare progress norms to those with similar
  native language experiences.
• Experiment with strategies

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• The GOOD news
• Strategies effective with learning disabilities
• are also effective language learning strategies.

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Learning difficulties
• LD and language learning - a closer look

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Listening/Speaking
• Difficulty processing spoken language
• Limited vocabulary/word retrieval problems
• Verbal memory problems
• Difficulty organizing thoughts

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Reading
• Difficulty identifying sounds
• Struggles with word recognition
• Lacks reading comprehension
• Problems with syntax

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Writing
• Writing is difficult to read
• Persistent problems with spelling
• Writing is disorganized

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• A review of specific strategies that might be
  helpful

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Employ specific skill-strategies
• Processing
• Language specific exercises
• Phonics
• Vocabulary
• - Personal dictionaries
• Verbal memory
• Note taking
• Journals
• Organizing thoughts
• Journals
• Graphic organizers

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Contextualized learning
• Targets useful vocabulary
• Identifies gaps
• Provides safe practice
• Draws on students experiences

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Multi-sensory strategies
• Music
• Total physical response
• Assistive technology
• Overlap/reinforce 4 skills
• Manipulatives

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Employ Classroom strategies
• Organizational techniques
• Routine
• Frequent breaks
• Tutors
• Sequential steps
• Scaffolding

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ESOL and learning Disabilities

• Metacognitive skills
• Discuss language process
• Compensation skills
• Learning styles

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Affective teaching strategies
• Be sensitive to embarrassment
• Encourage risk taking
• Establish a safe classroom culture
• Employ humor

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• Summary
• It is difficult to sort out the issues related to
  language learning and potential learning
  difficulties/disabilities.
• Diagnostic tools are limited

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• We can
• Observe and gather information.
• Look for persistent problems over a significant
  period of time.
• Look for problems out of the norm for students
  with similar language background and instruction.

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ESOL and Learning Disabilities

• We can
• Use classroom strategies that are good for all
  learners, including those with learning
  disabilities.
• Continue to monitor
• Look for resources