S14/E3 Encore Episode: Collaborative support for English Learners with disabilities with Dr. Sara Kangas

S14/E3 Encore Episode: Collaborative support for English Learners with disabilities with Dr. Sara Kangas

Author: Ellevation Education February 4, 2025 Duration: 43:55

An encore episode from season 9 of Highest Aspirations, where we discuss how schools are accommodating English learners with disabilities and the impacts that EL and disability status have on reclassification or exiting with Dr. Sara Kangas.

Key questions we address:

  1. What impacts have we seen on recent policy changes to reclassification or exiting of ELs with disabilities?
  2. How can schools prioritize collaboration and improve their current processes for determining reclassification for SPED ELs?
  3. What strategies can we use to ensure that these students are integrated into general education classrooms without compromising on learning in a supportive, language rich environment?


For additional episode and community resources:

    • Visit Dr. Sara Kangas’ website to learn more about her work
    • For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog 

  • Dr. Sara Kangas is an associate professor in the College of Education at Lehigh University. She is an applied linguist whose research focuses on the school-age population of multilingual learners (MLs) with disabilities. Using ethnography and interpretive policy analysis, Dr. Kangas investigates opportunity to learn for MLs with disabilities, with particular attention to the ways in which education policies, school structures, and ideologies affect their everyday learning experiences.

    Dr. Kangas has published in top-tier journals such as the American Educational Research Journal, Teaching and Teacher Education, and TESOL Quarterly, among others. Her scholarship has received the James E. Alatis Prize (2018), TESOL Award for Distinguished Research (2015), and the Wilga Rivers Memorial Graduate Student Award (2015). Dr. Kangas earned her Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in applied linguistics at Temple University.


    At the heart of Highest Aspirations are the voices and stories of English Language Learners, a dynamic and fast-growing part of the student population. Created by Ellevation Education, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the real-world experiences shaping classrooms today. Each episode connects you directly with educators who are in the trenches, students navigating dual languages, and researchers translating data into practical strategies. You’ll also hear from families and community advocates, whose perspectives are crucial yet often overlooked. These conversations collectively tackle a central question: how do we build systems that genuinely allow every student to thrive? Rather than offering simple answers, the series delves into the complexities of policy, instructional practice, and cultural belonging. It’s a space where the vibrant ELL community gathers to discuss both challenges and breakthroughs. Tuning in provides a nuanced look at the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing actionable insights and shared humanity. The Highest Aspirations podcast ultimately serves as a thoughtful forum for anyone invested in creating more equitable and effective learning environments for all.
    Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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