This collection of research provides a review of research on the effective practices for improving outcomes for English learners including academic achievement.
Author(s): Jason Greenberg Motamedi, Zafreen Jaffery, Allyson Hagen
Publication URL: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/northwest/pdf/REL_2016158.pdf
Category: Community & Family Engagement, Culture & Climate
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Keywords: Communicating with Families, Cultural Responsiveness
Summary:
This handbook explains naming conventions for eight language groups with large EL populations in the United States. It also explains how to address and interact with family members and touches on cultural differences that could cause confusion or miscommunication when engaging with families.
One speaker, two languages: Learning opportunities in the mathematics classroom
Author(s): Nuria Planas
Publication Info: Educational Studies in Mathematics September 2014, 87(1), pp 51-66. DOI 10.1007/s10649-014-9553-3
Category: Culture & Climate, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Keywords: Content Area Instruction, Mathematics Instruction, STEM Instruction, Small-Group Learning, Vocabulary
Summary:
This article draws on video recordings of student interactions to describe three main categories of dual-language engagement with mathematics topics. It argues that two types of engagement tend to further development of both vocabulary and content area mastery, but that some engagement can increase confusion.
English learner students? readiness for academic success: The predictive potential of English language proficiency assessment scores in Arizona and Nevada
Author(s): Eric Haas, Loan Tran, Min Huang
Publication URL: https://www.scribd.com/document/327562984/English-Learner-Students-Readiness-for-Academic-Success
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: Middle School (6-8), Upper Elementary (3-5)
Keywords: Assessment, Reclassification
Summary:
This study provides concrete evidence of the relationship between ELs’ English proficiency and their achievements on standardized tests. It shows that younger students often go on to perform well on standardized tests after exceeding current language proficiency thresholds, but students reclassified in middle school continue to struggle to keep up with their peers on standardized tests for years after reclassification.
Code-scaffolding: A Pedagogic Code-switching Technique for Bilingual Content Instruction
Author(s): Jennifer R. Fennema-Bloom
Publication URL: https://www.bu.edu/journalofeducation/files/2012/06/Vol-190-No.3Fennema-Bloom.pdf
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: High School (9-12)
Keywords: Code Switching, Content Area Instruction, Instructional Strategy, STEM Instruction, Scaffolding, Science Instruction
Summary:
This article discusses ways to take advantage of code switching when it naturally occurs during content area lessons. It interprets code switching as a type of scaffolding and gives bilingual teachers strategies for using their own language skills in ways beneficial to students.
Response to Intervention in Reading for English Language Learners
Author(s): Sharon Vaughn
Publication URL: http://www.rtinetwork.org/learn/diversity/englishlanguagelearners
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Keywords: Assessment, Learning Disabilities, Literacy, Response to Intervention
Summary:
This article addresses the challenges involved in adapting a Response to Intervention (RTI) approach to reading instruction for ELs. It acknowledges that adjustment of typical RTI approaches is necessary, especially in assessment, and provides practical, research-based suggestions for implementing RTI effectively to improve ELs’ reading skills.
Self-Study Guide for Implementing Early Literacy Interventions
Author(s): Jennifer L. Dombek, Barbara R. Foorman, Mishel Garcia, Kevin G. Smith
Publication URL: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/southeast/pdf/REL_2016129.pdf
Category: Comprehensive Planning, Leadership, Professional Development
Grade Level: Early Elementary (K-2)
Keywords: Comprehensive Planning Strategies, Early Literacy, Literacy Intervention, Special Education
Summary:
This self-study guide is designed for school and district administrators to aid in the planning of literacy interventions, with the needs of schools and districts with large EL populations kept strongly in mind. It includes rubrics and reflection instruments, as well as research support for the approaches to intervention that it suggests.
Screening Dual Language Learners in Early Head Start and Head Start: A Guide for Program Leaders
Author(s): none listed
Publication URL: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/cultural-linguistic/fcp/docs/Screening-dual-language-learners.pdf
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: Early Childhood
Keywords: Assessment, Disability Screening, Learning Disabilities
Summary:
This handbook, geared toward preschool but adaptable through elementary school, provides tools for disability screening in ELs. It delineates best practices and special considerations for ELs and includes worksheets and checklists.
Extreme Diversity in Cities: Challenges and Solutions for Programs Serving Young Children and Their Families
Author(s): Karen N. Nemeth
Publication URL: http://www.naeyc.org/yc/extreme-diversity-cities
Category: Community & Family Engagement, Culture & Climate
Grade Level: Early Childhood
Keywords: Communication with Families, Community Partnerships, Home Language Support
Summary:
This article discusses ways to work with families and community members to support ELs in diverse urban environments, as well as ways to develop a supportive school climate. While its examples focus on preschool, most of its suggestions and resources can be adapted for students of all ages.
Teaching Academic Content and Literacy to English Learners in Elementary and Middle School
Author(s): Scott Baker, Esther Geva, Michael J. Kieffer, Nonie Leseaux, Sylvia Linan-Thompson, Joan Morris, C. Patrick Proctor, Randi Russell
Publication URL: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/practiceguide/english_learners_pg_040114.pdf
Category: Comprehensive Planning, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: Early Elementary (K-2), Middle School (6-8), Upper Elementary (3-5)
Keywords: Content Area Instruction, Instructional Strategy, Literacy, Oral Proficiency, Scaffolding, Small-Group Instruction, Vocabulary, Writing
Summary:
This comprehensive practice guide outlines four practical, research-based recommendations for EL instruction in grades K-8 that can serve as over-arching principles for an EL program. In addition to a detailed review of the supporting research, the guide explains approaches for implementing each recommendation, including sample lessons and materials that illustrate solutions.
The Preparation of the ESL Educator in the Era of College- and Career-Readiness Standards: A Summary of the TESOL International Association Convening February 2016
Author(s): none listed
Publication URL: http://www.tesol.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/ccr-standards-convening_final2.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Category: Professional Development
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Keywords: Assessment, Co-Teaching, College and Career Readiness, Literacy, Teacher Coaching, Teacher Collaboration
Summary:
This handbook explores how professional development and teacher preparation for EL educators must adapt to college- and career-readiness standards, as well as to new research in literacy and language acquisition. After describing the current state of EL teacher preparation and professional education, it provides several practical recommendations for improving teachers’ readiness to work successfully with ELs.