English language learners and children with diagnosed learning disabilities represent two of the fastest growing subgroups in North Carolina classrooms. This seminar will bring together ELL and EC teachers with experts in the fields of language acquisition, learning disabilities, and leadership capacity. Teachers will be provided with knowledge and skills to improve their students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. In addition, they will be challenged and supported in addressing systemic or philosophical issues that impact these skills: levels of parental engagement; balancing acculturation with respect for cultural origins; levels of tolerance among faculty and students outside these populations; and understanding and responding to legislation aimed at special populations. Participants are encouraged to come with an action-research project already in mind.