The Role of Instructional Leaders

Instructional leaders play a key role in developing and leading an effective program for English learners in schools. Instructional leaders can best support English learners by meeting the requirements of federal and state law. Additionally, leaders can model best practices for instruction and support programs with resources that allow for sustainable delivery and staffing. Leaders also understand the varied backgrounds and languages of their student population and know how best to engage the family in a childʼs education. The Instructional Leader Self-Assessment on the Creating, Enhancing, and Sustaining an English Learner Program page of the Administrator's Resource Kit is a helpful tool for assessing knowledge.

The Creating, Enhancing, and Sustaining an English Learner Program: The Basics page of the Administrator’s Resource Kit includes the following critical information for Instructional Leaders:

• Instructional Leaders Know their English learners
• Instructional Leader Self-Assessment
• Observing Classroom Teachers
• Resources for Instructional Leaders to Support English learners
• Supporting High School Graduation

Best Practices for Supporting English Learners

Instructional leaders contribute to the success of English learners by cultivating a safe and supportive environment conducive to growth and advancement, ensuring English learners feel secure and embraced within educational settings. English learners bring many strengths that can be leveraged to support their English language acquisition. It is imperative to maintain high expectations for English learners while providing robust support systems which includes high-quality English language development instruction tailored to meet English learners’ needs and assist with accessing both content and language.

Resources

• Advancing Ohio's English Learners Administrator Toolkit
• Colorin Colorado’s Helping English Language Learners Succeed with a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS)
• Instructional Resources for Teachers page on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website
• Creating, Enhancing, and Sustaining an English Learner Program: The Basics page of the Administrator’s Resource Kit, including a list of key administrator resources.
• View this Ohio video on How Instructional Leaders Support English Learners:

These resources aim to bolster academic, student wellness, and college and career outcomes for Ohio's English learners. Resources were created through a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and The Ohio State University's Center on Education and Training for Employment along with a dedicated group of family advocates, community leaders, school district staff, and teachers.

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Last Modified: 5/21/2025 2:55:18 PM

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