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English Reading Demystified – ESL
The content for this multi-modal resource stemmed from work done by several adult English teachers, who noticed similarities between the difficulties experienced by English learners and those experienced by learners in another field of literacy: dyslexia. While the two contexts are different in many ways and these language learners were likely not dyslexic (there is currently no way to diagnose ELLs), they found much that overlaps. By purposefully learning more about instruction for learners with dyslexia, they enhanced their own teaching of adult language learners across all levels. Read More
Digital Access & Resilience in Texas (DART)
Digital Access and Resilience in Texas (DART) is a foundational digital literacy curriculum for beginning English learners that incorporates digital literacy skills, foundational print literacy skills, and conceptual understanding of basic digital literacy topics, beginning with letter recognition and keyboard knowledge through going online, searching the internet, and using email. All 20 units and their instructional resources are available to download for free either separately or as a complete document. Read More
Beginning ESL Literacy Distance Learning / In-Class Units
These lessons for Beginning EL Literacy (NRS ESL Level 1, CASAS STEPS 160-183) can be used in class, or assigned out of class as proxy hours by a TVM-certified teacher. The lessons are paper-packet based, and each has a QR code link to a video for the lesson. Each unit contains 5 lessons. Each lesson introduces 6-8 new vocabulary words, and is meant to build knowledge based on previous lessons. Read More
Beginning ESL Literacy Distance Learning or In-Class Units
The Beginning EL Literacy (NRS ESL Level 1, CASAS STEPS 160-183) lessons provided here can be used in class, or assigned out of class as proxy hours by a TVM-certified teacher. The lessons are paper-packet based, and each has a QR code link to a video for the lesson. Each unit contains 5 lessons. Each lesson introduces 6-8 new vocabulary words, and is meant to build knowledge based on previous lessons. Read More
Health Literacy Resources
This collection of multi-language health videos, classroom lessons, and support resources was created to support language learners who are new to English and who may have limited literacy skills to reduce barriers to access healthcare and improve health literacy. Read More
Best Practices for Intake and Support Staff
Beginning ESL literacy learners can have unique needs and require more support. This document offers recommendations that are designed to support more accurate placement and compassionate intake of learners who are new to both English and print literacy. Read More
abc English Teacher Training
abc English is a collection of resources for teachers and tutors who work with adult and adolescent English learners who are developing basic literacy and language skills. abc English offers free Teacher Training resources which serve as asynchronous professional development opportunities. Training includes video examples of instructional techniques, a sample lesson outline and a teacher's guide as well as a Webinar video. Read More
abc English Online Library: Assessment
abc English offers English Readers, Flashcards, and slideshows for systematic phonics, grammar, and vocabulary building. Full access to the online library requires a subscription, but some of the materials are free. Additionally, there is a free 30-day trial option. Read More
Literacy Now: Downloadable Material
This website includes books from Literacy NOW workshops, and testing materials developed for ESL Programs. These have been developed and curated by Tacoma Community House. You will find tools for the Language Experience Approach (LEA), A Speaking and Listening Handbook, and three different volunteer handbooks for those supporting Beginning ESL Literacy students. Read More
Promising Practices for IET Programs That Serve Beginning-Level Learners
One of six installments in the IET Strategies in Action series, this brief discusses how two strategies—bridge programs and stackable credentials—are implemented by local providers to serve beginning-level learners intentionally, and in some cases, how state-level guidance and support can enable these efforts. Read More