Planning Integrated Content & Language Instruction for Multilingual Learners

Across New York City and state, teachers are working hard to make “integrated content and language instruction” – the teaching of academic content and English language skills together, so Multilingual Learners develop subject knowledge and language proficiency simultaneously – succeed. Yet the truth is—our current model isn’t working well. Multilingual Learners (MLs) deserve stronger systems, clearer collaboration, and effective instruction that helps them thrive across subjects.

The Challenge: A Model That’s Not Delivering

Under current NYS law, MLs must receive four periods of “push-in” instruction weekly in core content areas, usually English Language Arts (ELA). Most schools have chosen to prioritize Integrated over Stand Alone English as a New Language (ENL) instruction for entering and emerging MLs because it’s assumed that the support will lead to higher test scores (however, there is little to no research to support this.)

Often, this results in MLs losing critical English Language Development in Stand Alone periods as recently reported by the NYC Comptroller’s office, who found that almost 50% of English Language Learners in NYC are not receiving their mandated instructional minutes. On paper, push-in sounds ideal: ENL and classroom teachers working together to support all learners. In reality, co-teaching rarely happens as intended.

• ENL teachers are often treated as assistants rather than co-teachers.

• Classroom teachers may feel unsure about how to support MLs when the ENL teacher isn’t there.

• Co-planning time is limited or nonexistent.

• ENL teachers may not have access to the classroom teacher’s lesson plans or pacing calendar.

The result? Students—especially those beyond the entering or emerging levels—get uneven support. They sit through lessons that don’t fully meet their language or content needs.

How can we make “push-in” instruction better?

Making Push-In Work

Here are research-based, classroom-tested strategies to strengthen your integrated model, whether you’re an ENL teacher pushing into a content area, or a classroom teacher delivering content:

1. Focus on Explicit Vocabulary Instruction

Vocabulary is the single strongest predictor of reading comprehension. Plan lessons that build vocabulary intentionally across all four language domains—speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

• Pre-teach key words before reading.

• Reinforce them through sentence frames, visuals, and collaborative talk.

• Revisit words in reading and writing tasks.

2. Develop Shared Learning Routines

Create instructional routines that both the ENL and classroom teacher can use—whether or not co-teaching happens that day.

• Daily warm-up: “Turn and Talk” using sentence stems and an academic vocabulary word bank.

• During reading: text annotation or vocabulary hunt.

• After reading: oral retell using the 5W’s and summary sentence writing.

These routines provide consistency and keep language development visible.

3. Group Strategically

Experiment with how best to pair your MLs with other students. Expanding and commanding MLs can partner with English proficient peers for maximum English exposure. Lower proficiency MLs can partner with a Home Language partner, higher proficiency student, and/or same level partner depending on the task. Encourage meaningful English use through joint projects and peer models.

• Scaffold reading and writing for entering/emerging students with shorter texts, visuals, and structured responses.

• Provide guided practice reinforcing vocabulary and comprehension for beginners while others work independently.

• Challenge higher-proficiency MLs with longer readings and open-ended writing tasks.

• Challenge higher proficiency MLs to use target more complex vocabulary and sentence grammar across speaking and writing.

4. Use Home Language and Technology

For older students, small-group discussions in the home language deepen understanding of complex topics. Support comprehension with tools like Google’s Read&Write Chrome extension for translations, audio support, and vocabulary glossaries.

5. Prioritize Oral Language

Activate background knowledge and vocabulary before, during, and after reading. Let students discuss, question, and explain—often and aloud. Oral practice fuels literacy and confidence.

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Even if you don’t have an ENL co-teacher, you can still make a difference. These strategies work in any classroom. Don’t overlook your MLs—they are bright, capable, and eager to learn. With thoughtful planning, integrated content and language instruction for Multilingual Learners can finally become what it was meant to be: a bridge to equity, not a barrier. Use this free checklist to strategically plan for effective instruction!