EAL essential part of new teachers' standards

Whilst debates rage around the number and distribution of bilingual and ethnic minority pupils (see Guardian 23.11.11) NALDIC is pleased that the importance of teaching EAL learners has been recognised in the new teachers' standards which were published last month. From September 2012, all teachers must 'adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils' and have a clear understanding of EAL learners, being able to use and evaluate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support them.

NALDIC has lobbied hard for the distinctiveness of the task facing EAL learners in our schools to be recognised and is pleased to see this reflected within the new teaching standards. Nearly all teachers work with bilingual learners at some point in their careers and we are pleased that this has been recognised as a core part of teachers' competencies.

The new teachers' standards apply to all teachers in England from September 2012, regardless of their career stage and define the minimum level of practice expected of teachers from the point of being awarded QTS. Within these standards every teacher must: 'Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils' . They must 'have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs; those of high ability; those with English as an additional language; those with disabilities; and be able to use and evaluate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support them'.(Standard 5).