This course provides understandings and appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity, and enhances the knowledge and skills of teachers working with culturally and linguistically diverse students in the classroom. The areas of emphasis include: a) the legal, historical, and cultural implications of ELLs in the mainstream classroom and differences among home and school cultures, especially as they relate to language; b) a brief overview of first and second language acquisition theories; c) developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to enhance English language proficiency and academic success of ELLs; and d) Pennsylvania standards and the Pennsylvania ELL assessment systems. (This course is not part of the ESL Specialist endorsement).