As of 2006, English Language Learners (ELLs) represent approximately ten percent of the United States public school population. Nationally, the ratio of all special education students represents about twelve percent of the total student body. Proportionally, twelve students of each one hundred would be in need of special education.

However, when that ratio is determined using only LEP students in need of special education, the number skyrockets to twenty-two percent. Nearly forty years after studies revealed minority and English Language Learners were over-represented in special education programs, there is still great inconsistency in accurately identifying ELLs with special needs. Furthermore, where some states show ELLs consist of over twenty percent of the population. (more…)

ESL Job Project is an ESL jobs source for English teachers living and teaching English Abroad in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and other overseas locations. We are dedicated to providing the English language teaching community with a reliable source for ESL teaching jobs, resume postings, ESL English teacher recruitment, Asian classifieds, living in Asia information, ESL teaching material and ESL jobs related information.

ESL Job Project is built for ESL English teachers. Find ESL Jobs teaching English in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and many other locations overseas, post your resume, post classified ads, find teaching English abroad info, use and share ESL teaching materials and much more. (more…)

A small, largely unknown high school on Grand St. is attracting national attention.

The Dual Language and Asian Studies High School just ranked No. 31 on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of the country’s top high schools. The Dual Language School, whose graduates speak both Mandarin and English, not only bested thousands of schools around the country, but also beat elite city schools like Bronx Science.

“We knew it from Day One — that’s what we’re shooting for,” said Li Yan, the school’s principal.

While Yan was not shocked to see his five-year-old school make the list — based on last year’s rankings, he calculated that he had a good chance — some may be surprised to see the Dual Language School in the company of the city and country’s best. (more…)

Both ESL students and teachers know that too many textbooks fail to engage readers. Yet rather than focusing on the many sins of the many boring textbooks, let’s focus on those few informative, practical, and interesting ESL books that we like. Here is a quick, superficial, and by no means comprehensive list of English as a Second Language books that I personally have found successful in teaching English

Academic ESL/intensive English programs. Cambridge Vocabulary in Use series – An excellent supplemental text, especially for the more academically inclined. The self-contained two page format allows students, teachers, and tutors to pick and choose materials. (more…)

She could have stayed closer to home to fulfill the requirement for her English as a second language certification, but she was inspired to take on the international experience because a friend of hers volunteered in India two years ago and told her of the opportunity.

“I could have just done it in a Philadelphia school or even in Springfield but this seemed like a great opportunity to do something different,” Settino said in an interview.

During the day, she taught students ranging in age from 10 to 14 in a bilingual school. At night, she taught those who attended surrounding schools. The night school provided English, dance and art classes, though resources in both schools were limited. (more…)

In reviews of the school district’s special-education and English Language Learner programs, state and federal organizations have raised concerns about students being systematically placed in low-level classes.

A report issued by the state Department of Education in February 2007 cited the district for the way it levels students, raising questions surrounding the process and criteria used to determine enrollment within the leveled courses.

The report stated the district lacked data as to why special-education students were predominantly in lower-level classes, the length of time they remain in those levels, and what the entrance and exit criteria for levels are. (more…)

On a campus where international student enrollment is growing steadily, language barriers can seem daunting. However, Murray State University’s English as a Second Language program serves as an important transition program for international students attending the school.

The ESL program emphasizes language proficiency in all skill and knowledge areas, including speaking, listening, writing, reading and grammar, while giving students an overview of American culture. Murray State’s program has an average of 205 students enrolled per eight-week term. There are five terms during the year: two in the fall, two in the spring and one in the summer. Since 1998, there have been 4,788 student term enrollments in Murray State’s ESL program. This year has seen the most students in the ESL program yet, with 757 enrolled. (more…)

Hispanic students who performed well on standardized tests, but whose families do not speak English at home, can learn more about the American college and scholarship system.

Mark Sparks, Rogers School District deputy superintendent, has started an Hispanic Scholars program to inform students about credits needed for high school graduation, how to apply to colleges and how to get college scholarships.

High school counselors and others offer the same information to non-Hispanic white students, but Hispanic students need the information more, Sparks said, as they might not have as much family support for going to college. (more…)