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IEPs for English Language Learners (ELL)
by: Jim Maziejka
IEPs are an important aspect of a student’s growth and success in the classroom. This document ensures students with disabilities receive an education customized to their specific learning needs, addressing both strengths and challenges of each student.
An IEP allows students full potential and access to meaningful educational opportunities. But what about IEPs for English Language Learners? What should be included in the IEP? This article provides everything to know about IEPs for ELL students and their families.
What is an IEP?
IEPs are an important aspect of a student’s growth and success in the classroom. This document ensures students with disabilities receive an education customized to their specific learning needs, addressing both strengths and challenges of each student.
An IEP allows students full potential and access to meaningful educational opportunities. But what about IEPs for English Language Learners? What should be included in the IEP? This article provides everything to know about IEPs for ELL students and their families.
Common Aspects of IEPs
A typical IEP has the following components:
- Classifications – a student’s disability classification, which can be any of 13 types of impairments.
- Date range – dates specified for the length of time an IEP runs.
- Evaluations / information – what evaluative information was used, which includes progress reports, report cards, reports from teachers, etc.
- Present level of performance – this includes academic, social and emotional, detailed with child issues. The details included need to match up with the progress and meaningful and measurable goals.
- Special considerations – these IEP considerations can include limited English proficiency, behavior plans, visual impairments, etc.
- Assessments – determine whether the student should participate in statewide assessments, or opt to be alternatively assessed.
- Test accommodations – specific provisions or adjustments made in the testing environment to ensure that students with disabilities.
- School-to-life transition – an individualized transition plan designed for students to successfully transition to life after school.
What Families of ELL Students Should Know About IEPs
Here’s are the key aspects typically included in an IEP, and how they can be affected by an ELL student’s language requirements:
Language Proficiency Assessment
In an IEP, ELL students are assessed to determine their current English language proficiency level. These assessments help better identify a student’s language development strengths and weaknesses.
English Language Goals
The IEP sets goals related to English language acquisition, such as improving listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. These goals should be specific and measurable over time and tailored to the student’s individual needs and language proficiency level.
Parental Involvement
With any IEP, parents or guardians will play an integral role in the development of a student. For English language learners, a parent’s input is used to better understand the student’s background, cultural influences, and at-home language use and communication. This information helps create an IEP specific for the student, and the success of a student’s language development.
Curriculum
The IEP may include modifications to the general education curriculum to accommodate the student’s language needs. The curriculum may involve simplified language, visuals, and instructional strategies that support language development.
Language Support Services
The IEP may provide for specialized language support services, such as language instruction, pull-out or push-in services, and other programs to help the student progress in their language development. These services may be provided in the regular classroom or small group settings.
IEP Laws & Regulations
The education of English Language Learners (ELL) in the United States is protected by several federal laws and guidelines, ensuring students have appropriate access to educational services and support. When it comes to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for ELL students, there are two significant federal laws to know: IDEA and Title VI.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities, including those who are ELLs, receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Under this law, ELL students who have a disability and require special education are eligible for an IEP.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. With language often tied to national origin, this law protects ELL students with learning disabilities from discrimination based on their limited English proficiency.
Regulations by State
It’s important to note each state may have additional regulations and policies related to ELL students and IEPs. Because of this, educators and parents need to familiarize themselves with both federal and state-level laws and guidelines to ensure ELL students receive the appropriate support and services.
Closing Out
An IEP for ELL students with learning disabilities can help address their language development. At Pierian Spring Group, our experts work with school districts to translate IEP documents into 150+ languages
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