EDUC 517 - Linguistics, Diversity, and Families in Education

(3 credits)

This course will provide teachers with understanding of the needs of English learners and methodologies to assist students in acquiring English, socialization and academic achievement. This course fulfills all of the PDE teacher candidate competencies for Accommodations and Adaptations for Diverse Learner Guidelines, for the ELL. Students will focus on the relationship between schools and families and the availability of community resources with regard to students with and without exceptionalities in grades Pre-K-4. Differences in culture, ability, ethnic background, socio-economic status and language of students in today’s classrooms is specifically examined. The importance of clear communication using respectful, professional and collegial language is stressed. Students will demonstrate understanding of the barriers that learners and their families may face to access and fully benefit from the school system, and strategies to address those barriers. Students also learn about laws relating to confidentiality, legal rights of all students and their parents and legal responsibilities of teachers. This course fulfills all of the PDE Grades Pre-K-4 Education candidate competencies for Family and Community Collaboration Partnerships. Students will complete eight hours of field experience in an area school or educational setting. Required clearances will be needed to participate in field experiences. As needed.