Still Water Moments: The Art of the English Language Development Teacher
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The purpose of the English Language Development Teacher, (ELD), is to help cultivate various English language proficiency skills of students whose first language is not English. At the beginning of the school year, our ELD teacher provides each general education teacher with a chart containing the English language learners in their assigned grade. The chart contains various skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The students are given a score between a range of 1 and 6 for each. 1 being beginning, 6 being reaching, or proficient. The grade level teacher then uses these scores to incorporate proper accommodations and modifications into lesson plans, direct instruction, and grading in order for each of the students to grasp the content according to their abilities. For example, when a teacher gives a writing assignment to the class, a beginning English language writing student may be allowed to give a verbal response instead or write their response in their native language.
The ELD teacher pulls her students from the general education classroom each week to work in a separate classroom. She assesses and monitors student progress and adjusts their skill scores accordingly. The assessments can be informal via conversation and classwork, or it can be formal testing. This monitoring of student progress spans the years that the student attends that specific school or until they reach proficiency in all domains and no longer need the services.
Just as the ELD teacher monitors the English language acquisition of her students, God is always monitoring and cultivating our growth in His word, His love language for His children. Just as a beginning English language learner starts at a beginning level, we as Christians were all babes in Christ at some point whether you grew up in the church or became saved as an adult. When we first began reading the bible I’m sure there were instances of enlightenment as well as perplexion. Deep dives and studies of the word, whether in group bible studies or individual devotion times, were necessary for interpreting the word. Amazingly, the bible is inexhaustible, meaning we will always be enlightened by the scripture, learning different facets, layers and interpretations of scriptures we have heard for years! This makes studying the word an ongoing vital practice.
The ELD teacher’s direct instruction to her students allows them to apply the skills learned with her in the general education classroom. This symbiosis of the two separate environments benefits the student by furthering their acquisition of the English language and content taught in various school subjects. Comparably, we are to read and study the bible, then apply it in everyday life. Colossians 3:16 tells us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom…” Our growth is directly correlated with our willingness to study and be obedient to the instruction, (the bible), by exemplifying it in our daily interactions and practices. We should be reflecting upon and monitoring our own growth via conversations with the Father where listening to Him is key. Just as when we were students in school, some assignments were easy, fun and engaging. Conversely, other assignments were challenging, requiring extensive studying and research. While walking with the Lord can at times be easy, fun and engaging, make no mistake, in order for us to grow we also need challenging experiences too. The advantage is, He is ever present, walking with us, speaking to us, encouraging us to do His will. We benefit from this lifelong learning journey by optimally attaining a proficient level of trusting Him, further enriching our lives.
Reflection: Think about your own growth in the Lord. Celebrate the areas of growth! Make note of the areas you are currently being challenged in and seek the Lord via prayer and His word as to how to navigate them.
