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ELL Minor

Teach English learners or emergent bilingual students in K-12 schools in the United States.

This English Language Learner Education minor is designed for pre-service K-12 educators. Upon completion of this ELL education program, you'll be qualified to add an ELL endorsement to your teaching license.

Program type:
Minor
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
20
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Why minor in ELL?

The number of English learners has significantly increased, and about 4.9 million students (almost 10%) are ELLs in U.S. public schools. According to the U.S. Department of Education, ELL teachers are needed more than ever in the United States.

An ELL minor helps you develop the knowledge and skills you need to teach ELLs:

  • Second language acquisition and development
  • Assessments for English language learners
  • Planning for standards‐based ELL and content instruction
  • Practical ELL teaching experiences

With this minor in English Language Learner Education at UND, you'll gain the diverse learning experiences to be able to progress or advance in professions such as:

  • ELL Teacher
  • ELL Specialist
  • K-12 Teacher with ELL Endorsement

What majors pair well with an ELL minor?

Pairing an ELL minor with specific majors can significantly enrich your skill set and professional opportunities. Here's how each major complements and enhances your ability to support English language learners:

  • Elementary Education Degree: This major equips you with foundational teaching skills for young learners, while the minor provides specialized training in language acquisition theories and effective instructional strategies tailored to English language learners.
  • Secondary Education Degree: Navigating middle and high school environments requires unique skills. Pairing this major with an ELL minor enhances your ability to differentiate instruction and support English language learners in mastering academic content.
  • International Studies Degree: Understanding diverse cultures and languages is essential when working with English language learners. Pairing International Studies with an ELL minor deepens your appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity in educational settings.
  • Social Work Degree: Social workers play a vital role in advocating for marginalized communities, including English language learners. Adding the minor enhances your cultural competence and ability to address the unique needs of this population.
  • Psychology Degree: Insights from psychology are invaluable in understanding language development and learning. A Psychology major, combined with an ELL minor, provides a holistic approach to supporting English language learners in educational settings.

ELL Minor Courses

T&L 415. Language and Literacy Development of English Language Learners. 3 Credits.

This course includes study of various approaches to ELL/bilingual education, methods of instruction, assessment of English language proficiency and classroom learning, and teaching academic content to ELLs in the general education classroom. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program or permission of instructor. S.

T&L 420. Assessment for ELLs. 3 Credits.

This course broadly explores issues of assessment, language proficiency assessment and classroom-based assessment for English Language Learners. Students will understand and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to inform instruction. Topics of study include: identification and placement of ELLs, cultural bias in testing, standardized testing and accommodations, state and federal policies regarding ELLs and assessment, program evaluation, and classroom-based assessments. F.

T&L 451. Second Language Acquisition for ELLs. 3 Credits.

In this course, students will develop an understanding of the socio- and psycho-linguistic aspects of interlanguage by studying the theories and research of first and second language acquisition. Students will examine the nature of learners and their individual differences during the stages of language development. F.

T&L 467. Language Structure and Analysis for ELL Teachers. 3 Credits.

This course explores the grammatical and discourse structures of the modern English language, analysis of grammar and discourse with a focus on specific problem areas for ELLs, and pedagogical implications for ELLs' English language development. S.

T&L 433. Multicultural Education. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to implement a multicultural approach to teaching and learning by examining how race, ethnicity, and culture influence students' experiences in schools. This course's content provides teacher candidates with the knowledge and concepts they need to enhance their understanding of socio-cultural consciousness through culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy. Teacher candidates will understand how to develop appropriate, informed, and sensitive responses to the rich diversity (gender, sexuality, exceptionality, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, race, language, and culture) of student learners in the classroom as a pathway to be inclusive. This course explores immigration and refugees' issues and examines cultural assumptions, implicit biases, attitudes, and values that shape our perceptions and predicate our actions. This exploration prepares teacher candidates to create spaces in their learning environments where all learners are supported through acknowledgment of multiple identities, funds of knowledge, and experiences to surface and interrupt oppression. This multicultural course highlights the effects of settler colonialism on Native Peoples. This course will help students to learn about the American Indian Reservations in North Dakota: The history, language, school settings, population, tribal governments, sovereignty laws, and early education for North Dakota's Native Peoples. Note: course requires you to complete 10 hours of field experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S,SS.

ENGL 209. Introduction to Linguistics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the nature of language, phonology, grammar, semantics, and historical, geographical, social, and developmental aspects of language. F,S.

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