PAF is also an appropriate program for multilingual learners. Research shows that English learners benefit from the same foundational beginning reading instruction as native English speakers—one that directly teaches phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies using decodable text. PAF is built upon all of these components. However, English Learners will need additional support such as clarification with visuals, key vocabulary highlighted, explicit oral language instruction in English, retelling and discussion of a story, and clarification, among others.   Additional practices can include a focus on understanding the differences and similarities of a student’s home language and language of instruction, as well as including screenings and assessments in a student’s home language when available.

PAF Reading Program’s focus on phonics, vocabulary, syntax, and morphology, while also teaching the structure of language, makes it an appropriate program for classrooms with English learners. There are many opportunities for developing vocabulary and oral language skills, as well as for modeling English language usage. The language- rich oral discussions that precede and follow the reading of connected text are essential in promoting language development in students. The direct instruction model and the PAF Reading Program assessments allow for a constant feedback loop in which teachers assess how English learners are progressing through the instructional sequence and where they need additional scaffolding, reinforcement, or time with the skills being taught.