An Argument for Stand-Alone ENL Curriculum

Abstract

This alternative perspectives paper presents an argument for prioritizing the curriculum and instruction of English language development courses for multilingual learners (MLLs), a program model known as “stand-alone English as a new language (ENL)” in New York state schools. We propose a more systematic approach to curriculum development for stand-alone ENL that focuses on language development while also connecting to core academic content areas. More specifically, we argue that a stand-alone ENL curriculum should include content-rich units of study that are connected to big ideas, essential questions, disciplinary practices, and the Next Generation ELA Learning Standards. Furthermore, we argue that a broader and more intentional dissemination of the guidance documents commissioned and published by the New York State Education Department could support this initiative by giving teachers and school leaders easier access to current research and best practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment for MLLs.