The New York State Education Department has proposed regulatory changes that would require teacher preparation programs in certain subject areas to dedicate at least three of the currently required six semester hours in language acquisition and literacy development to language acquisition and literacy development of English language learners (ELLs), Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced. The revision would apply to registered programs beginning on September 1, 2022.
“We need to support our multilingual and English language learners and provide them with equity and access to instruction that will help them thrive,” Board of Regents chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “Courses in language acquisition and literacy development will help young teachers meet the particular needs of these students and build on the success we are seeing in New York’s ELL programs.”
“Teachers make a difference in the lives of their students every day, and it’s critical that we ensure that they enter the classroom with training and knowledge to help all our students realize their full potential,” Commissioner Elia said.
“Future teachers need to be equipped with the skills to support our students who are still learning the English language and provide rigorous instruction to foster advanced literacy skills. That work starts with our teacher preparation programs.”
A three-semester-hour course for New York teachers would address topics such as ELL instructional needs, co-teaching strategies, and integrating language and content instruction for ELLs. Teacher preparation programs affected by this revision prepare:
- Teachers of early-childhood education, childhood education, middle-childhood education, and adolescence education;
- Teachers of students with disabilities, students who are deaf or hard of hearing, students who are blind or visually impaired, and students with speech and language disabilities;
- Teachers of English to speakers of other languages; and
- Library media specialists.
Comments on the proposed changes will be accepted through June 24, 2019, and can be submitted by email to REGCOMMENTS@nysed.gov. Following the 60-day public comment period required under the State Administrative Procedure Act, it is anticipated that the proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Regents for adoption at its September 2019 meeting. If adopted, the proposed amendment will become effective for New York teachers on September 25, 2019.
For more information, visit www.regents.nysed.gov/common/regents/files/419p12hed2.pdf.
