Structured English Immersion Certificate
Welcome to Structured English Immersion (SEI).
This course has been approved by the Arizona Department of Education for both pre-service and in-service K–12 teachers. It provides in-depth coverage of effective strategies and practices for teaching English Language Learners (ELLs)
As the number of ELLs continues to grow in Arizona and across the nation, the demand for high-quality instruction tailored to their needs has become increasingly evident. Federal and state education policies—such as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Flores v. Arizona, and Proposition 203—have further highlighted the importance of Structured English Immersion (SEI) programs. This course is specifically designed to equip current and future educators with the tools and knowledge to support English learners in their classrooms.
Participants should expect to spend approximately 45 hours completing all course requirements.
Course Descriptions
This course provides an in-depth study of Structured English Immersion (SEI), focusing on its legal and historical foundations, especially within the context of Arizona. Students will explore key legislation, policies, and court cases that influence SEI practices. The course examines critical terminology, instructional models, and the Arizona English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards to support English language learners (ELLs).
Through the lens of various language acquisition theories, students will analyze the core elements and domains of language development. Emphasis is placed on identifying and implementing effective instructional strategies for Academic English Development, as well as differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of ELLs, including long-term English learners, students with interrupted formal education (SIFE), and other special populations.
Participants will evaluate types of assessments and learn how to use assessment data to monitor progress and provide meaningful feedback. The course also highlights the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy, the integration of biblical principles in lesson planning, and the promotion of ethical and professional practices in SEI classrooms.
Students who complete this course will be given the opportunity to:
- Compare the legal and historical foundations involving SEI students
- Interpret terminology, assessment, models and ELP standards in SEI
- Compare various language acquisition theories, elements of language and language domains found in ELP standards
- Determine instructional strategies for Academic English Development
- Recommend differentiation of instruction for learners.
- Measure various types of assessments for ELs
- Compare long term EL’s, REAL, SIFE and special population ELs
- Choose culturally relevant instruction and develop appropriate lessons aligned with ELP standards and include an emphasis on biblical studies.
- Support professionalism and legal and ethical practices in the ELL classroom.
*Although this certificate is offered from a Christian institution, learners are not required to sign our statement of faith. However, they should be aware that courses will be taught from a Christian perspective.
School of Adult Education
Arizona Christian University
Building 3000
1 W. Firestorm Way
Glendale, AZ 85306
Phone:
(602) 489-5300
Email:
[email protected]