To support English Learners (ELs) with intensive intervention needs it is important to (a) deliver instruction that represents culturally and linguistically sustaining best practices, and (b) distinguish the needs and assets of learners to improve progress (i.e., second-language acquisition, culture, learning challenges). This brief illustrates considerations for implementing data-based individualization (DBI) with ELs that accounts for their unique academic, social, behavioral, linguistic, and cultural experiences, assets, and needs.

This webinar, featuring Drs. Donna Sacco, John Hoover, and Tracy Spies, illustrates considerations for implementing data-based individualization (DBI) with ELs that accounts for their unique academic, social, behavioral, linguistic, and cultural experiences, assets, and needs. They share why it is important to (a) deliver instruction that represents culturally and linguistically sustaining best practices, and (b) distinguish the needs and assets of learners to improve progress (i.e., second-language acquisition, culture, learning challenges).

English learners (ELs), as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, are individuals enrolled in school between the ages of 3 and 21 whose native language is not English. Although ELs are categorized under a single, homogeneous label, they represent a diverse population of students with wide-ranging cultural experiences, native and second-language proficiencies, and varying degrees of subject matter knowledge (Vaughn et al., 2019).  Delivering intensive intervention for ELs involves consistent attention to students’ language development, culture, and academic and behavioral needs throughout the DBI process. Supporting ELs with intensive needs depends on an educator’s

Although instructional and intervention practices that work for monolingual students often benefit English learners (ELs), there are additional considerations when assessing, instructing, or providing intervention to ELs that account for the nature of English acquisition. The National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) and the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) have compiled freely-available resources to support educators and educational organizations serving ELs. This list includes resources related to instruction, multitiered system of supports, special education, implementation supports, and partnering with families.

This brief provides a framework for using Response to Intervention (RTI) with students who are English Language Learners (ELL) from Hispanic backgrounds. It examines the characteristics of these students; defines the RTI process; and then models how students’ linguistic, cultural, and experiential backgrounds can guide appropriate screening, progress monitoring, and goal setting that will help promote English literacy. The brief concludes with a case study that provides specific recommendations for how to apply screening and progress monitoring with ELLs.

The target audience for this guide is a broad spectrum of school practitioners such as administrators, curriculum specialists, coaches, staff development specialists and teachers who face the challenge of providing effective literacy instruction for English language learners in the elementary grades. The guide also aims to reach district-level administrators who develop practice and policy options for their schools.  

This two page handout highlights how to use the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity when selecting, evaluating, and intensifying interventions for students who are English learners (ELs). Specific considerations for ELs are provided across the dimensions of strength, dosage, alignment. attention to transfer, comprehensiveness, behavioral support, and individualization.

This webinar, led by Dr. Julie Esparza Brown, Dr. Amanda Sanford, and Erin Lolich focused on improving educational outcomes for ELLs through culturally and linguistically responsive implementation of an RTI framework in the area of elementary reading. Specifically, it discussed critical considerations to appropriately utilize screening and progress monitoring data with ELL students to improve reading outcomes by addressing the factors that influence ELL students' academic success. Recommendations were provided for the appropriate selection and use of screening and progress monitoring data based on students' unique backgrounds and needs. A case study was provided to illustrate these recommendations with a first grade ELL student.  

In this video, Dr. Alba Ortiz, Professor Emeritus of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin discusses the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive instruction and intervention.

In this video, Dr. Rolland O'Connor, Professor at the University of California, Riverside and a member of the NCII Academic Intervention Technical Review Committee, discusses the status of research on early intervention in reading.