EL v Special Ed

[Unkotare]

It irks me that ESL students (or ELs as it is sometimes put) are often classified/considered/treated almost exactly like special ed students. Speaking another language is not a disability, it is a valuable ability. When these students master English to a significant degree, they will have a leg up on their monolingual cohorts. And let it be said that special ed students are not ELs. They can have a wide range of challenges, and deserve specific, targeted support appropriate to their circumstances.

Just sayin'

 

[Godboy]

I hope Special Ed beats those ELS'ers. When does this fight start?

 

[Unkotare]

And of course sometimes ELs do have special needs. Too often these students miss out on services they need. Often the focus is on the EL part and they are put into classrooms with non-special ed ELs. They may not be prepared for that, and their ESL teachers may not be trained to teach special ed. A rock and a hard place.