The CTELL Project provides an opportunity for University of Houston-Clear Lake faculty to participate in professional development and field experiences in CTELL partner districts. Participation in the project will help faculty to better prepare teachers to provide effective instruction to English language learners (ELLs). The CTELL Project, along with other federally funded projects, has demonstrated the commitment of UHCL to be recognized as a leader in the preparation of bilingual teachers, school administrators, counselors, and librarians uniquely prepared to deal with the challenges of successfully educating English language learners.
The increasing numbers of ELLs in area secondary schools, along with the critical issue of reducing the number of students who drop out of high school each year, means that candidates should graduate from this university with a basic knowledge of second language acquisition and the strategies of sheltered instruction which have been validated by research as supporting the academic success of English language learners. Additionally, the increasing numbers of language minority students now seen in Houston area public schools will ultimately result in greater numbers of first generation college students attending UHCL. The professional development offered through the CTELL project offers faculty the knowledge and skills necessary for better understanding these students and the unique challenges and opportunities they will present.
