Glossary
Education is filled with acronyms, so that is the main focus of the glossary below. This is a developing page, so if there are any terms or acronyms you come across that don’t make sense, feel free to let me know and I’ll add it to this page!
A note on terminology: I strive to use the most widely-adopted, inclusive language when speaking about individuals’ identities and language. However, especially in education, there is hardly ever a clear consensus when it comes to terminology. Some say certain terms, such as “foreign”, are only negative when there is negative intent behind their use. Others would argue that this fails to recognize the hurtful and offensive ways it has been (and continues to be) used. If there is a certain nuance that I fail to include, please let me know via the contact tab.
Aaron Bird Bear, Heather Linville, and Nikki Logan all share great information related to terminology in their interviews!
Limited English Proficient
An antiquated term used in the 80’s to describe what today most call ELLs or ELs, English (Language) Learners.
World- Class Instructional Design and Assessment
“We offer a comprehensive, research-based system of language standards, assessments, professional learning and educator assistance. WIDA’s trusted resources are used by 42 domestic states and territories and approximately 500 international schools throughout the world.” WIDA is affiliated with the WCER, the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. Nowadays, WIDA goes solely by the acronym.
Dual Language Immersion
“A program in which the language goals are full bilingualism and biliteracy in English and a partner language, students study language arts and other academic content (math, science, social studies, arts) in both languages over the course of the program, the partner language is used for at least 50% of instruction at all grades, and the program lasts at least 5 years (preferably K-12). Throughout the U.S., it is frequently used synonymously with two-way immersion (TWI).”
Wisconsin Association For Language Teachers
“WAFLT has been serving Wisconsin teachers since 1913 and is one of the largest state language associations in the country. Over 1700 teachers from Wisconsin and its neighboring states attended the annual conference in Appleton.”
Language 1
Language(s) and individual is a native speaker of. One can have more than one L1.
Language 2
Language(s) and individual is not a native speaker of (acquired later in life). Learning a L2 typically involves a more effortful/conscious effort.
Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education
“The Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education (WIABE) is the largest organization of bilingual educators, parents, students, researchers and allies in the state of Wisconsin. Our organization is keenly focused on statewide advocacy, professional development and member engagement.”
Foreign Language Early Start
Formerly Foreign Language Elementary School, the ES has shifted to meaning ‘early start’ to include those learning a new language for the first time at an older age.
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
The largest national organization uniting language educators. They are known for their national conferences, proficiency levels, and related proficiency tests required by most states for language teacher certification.
English Second Language
This usually refers to a course or type of support students receive (e.g. I was in ESL in elementary school or the ESL teacher). Some suggest other terms as this doesn’t reflect students who are learning English as a third, fourth, etc. language.
Wisconsin Center for Education Research
WCER is housed at UW-Madison and as the name implies, is the home to education-related research. Within WCER is WIDA, the global assessment and instructional standards group.
Wisconsin Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
“WITESOL is the professional organization for Wisconsin Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. As an affiliate of TESOL International and an associate of IATEFL, we provide professional development opportunities and a network for educators of English Learners and multilingual students of all levels and ages around the state of Wisconsin.”
English Language Learner/ English Learner
These terms are seen by some as more inclusive than ESL because they don’t specify English as the second language. ELL and EL are used interchangeably, but EL is probably more common.
Second Language Acquisition
The name spells it out pretty well! This is a broad term and does not only refer to English.
National Association for Bilingual Education
“Since 1975, the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) has been a non-profit membership organization that works to advocate for educational equity and excellence for bilingual/multilingual students in a global society.”
Comprehensible Input
“Comprehensible input is language input that can be understood by listeners despite them not understanding all the words and structures in it. It is described as one level above that of the learners if it can only just be understood. According to Krashen's theory of language acquisition, giving learners this kind of input helps them acquire language naturally, rather than learn it consciously.” The main distinction is it often rejects textbooks, explicit grammar, and vocabulary lists.
Emergent Bilingual
This is a newer term that focuses on the asset of someone’s language abilities rather than just what they lack (such as ESL focusing on their lack of English rather than abilities in other languages). This is not as commonly used.
Individualized Education Program
This is a special plan for students who fall into one of the 13 disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This is distinct from a 504 plan that refers to accomodations not necessarily linked to a diagnosed disability.
Predominately White Institution
This usually refers to colleges/universities where at least 50% of students identify as white. UW-Madison is an example of a PWI.
Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color
This is a term often used as an umbrella to refer to non-white-identifying students.