Video Collection: Special Education and English Language Learners

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This video collection highlights best practices related to identifying and serving English language learners (ELLs)/multilingual learners (MLs). The interviews feature several experts and educators from our popular Meet the Expert interviews.

For additional resources, including articles and multilingual family tip sheets, see Special Education and ELLs: Resource Gallery.

Identifying ELLs with Disabilities

Over- and under-identification of ELLs with disabilities
Over-identification: Why ELLs may be referred to special education too soon
Under-identification: Why ELLs may not get the special education services they need
Under- and over-identification of ELLs in special education
What should I do if my school wants me to wait to evaluate ELLs for special education services?
Should we evaluate students in their home language when possible?
Being an EL is not a disability

Analyzing Special Education Referrals

Language vs. disability: Why are students struggling?
Important data to collect about ELLs in special education
Is the programming for ELLs effective?
Variation of disability rates by state
Are students getting the services they need?
Are the majority of students successful?

Federal Regulations

IDEA: An Overview
Castañeda v. Pickard: Are ELLs receiving the services they need?
ELLs with special education needs are entitled to both ELL and special education services
What does language access look like in special education?

Communicating with Families

Communicating effectively with parents about student needs and services
Making ELL parents a central part of the referral conversation and process
What role do multilingual families have in the special education identification process?
Student scenario for over-identification: Li
Student scenario: Li's parents
Sharing students' strengths with families
Help with a hearing problem

Special Considerations: ELLs and Special Education

Identifying student strengths
How culture may impact behavior in the classroom
Eliminating other factors before we make a referral
Support for families who speak Mixtec
Special Education Teacher Katrina Kickbush: Dental problems for students
What I Remember About Being an English Learner

Advocacy and Collaboration

How to advocate when you're not part of the team
Advocating for students who need more support
Why collaboration matters when talking about ELLs and special education
Why a team approach matters for serving ELLs in special education
Why administrators are critical to special education processes for ELLs
What an ESL teacher can contribute to special education team
Supporting an English learner with special needs
Grade level: K-3