This collection of research provides a review of research on the effective practices for improving outcomes for English learners including academic achievement.
Author(s): Christine M. Leighton, Lisa M. O'Brien, Kierstin Giunco
Publication URL: New England Reading Association Journal; 2017, Vol. 52 Issue 1, p7-18
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5)
Keywords: Content Area Instruction, Literacy, Reading Aloud
Summary:
This article explores how the incorporation of challenging expository texts into content area instruction can help ELs master both content area knowledge and academic literacy. The study also suggests that reading improves studentsÍ motivation and engagement in content areas. The authors provide samples of lesson plans, recommended texts, and student work, as well as a set of guiding principles that can be implemented.
Adaptations for English Language Learners: Differentiating Between Linguistic and Instructional Accommodations
Author(s): N. Eleni Pappamihiel, C. Allen Lynn
Publication URL: http://www.tesl-ej.org/wordpress/issues/volume20/ej79/ej79a3/
Category: Professional Development
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Keywords: Accommodations, Mainstream Teachers
Summary:
This article establishes two types of accommodations _ linguistic and instructional _ both of which must be made in order to close the achievement gap between ELs and native English speakers in mainstream classrooms. The authors argue that most teachers, even successful ones, are unaware of the distinction between these two types of accommodation, and recommend an increased focus on types of accommodation in both preservice training and ongoing professional development.
The Pairing of a Science Communications and a Language Course to Enrich First-Year English Language LearnersÍ Writing and Argumentation Skills
Author(s): Ashley J. Welsh, Amber Shaw, Joanne A. Fox
Publication URL: Journal of College Science Teaching; May/Jun2017, Vol. 46 Issue 5, p64-72
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: College and Higher Education
Keywords: Academic Language, Content Area Instruction, STEM Instruction, Science Instruction, Writing
Summary:
This article examines the value of combining content-area learning _ in this case, science _ with the development of academic writing skills at the college level. StudentsÍ writing improved significantly, along with their content area mastery, showing that interdisciplinary instruction is an especially effective approach to building the communication and critical thinking skills that students need to succeed in higher education.
The Politics of Schools and Money: Building Awareness about Channeling Practices for Supplemental Resource Allocations to Serve English Language Learners
Author(s): Irina S. Okhremtchouk
Publication URL: http://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/article/view/2819/1878
Category: Comprehensive Planning, Leadership
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Keywords: Finance and Funding, State and Federal Funding
Summary:
This article responds to the challenge of securing sufficient funding, from government as well as supplemental sources, to serve EL populations. It notes a gap between intent and reality in how funds are allocated, and it summarizes the ways in which funding entities calculate and administer funding. It urges school and district leadership to increase their awareness of what funds are available, and to make funding an ongoing conversation and effort.
It’s Not in the Curriculum: Adult English Language Teachers and LGBQ Topics
Author(s): Christy M. Rhodes, James Coda
Publication URL: DOI:10.1177/1045159517712483
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, School Culture and Climate
Grade Level: Adult and Continuing
Keywords: Adult Education, Cultural Responsiveness, LGBTQIA Students and Issues
Summary:
This article explores the challenges of addressing LGBQ topics in adult and continuing education with EL students. It compiles and analyzes discussions with teachers about how to introduce these topics in the classroom in culturally responsive ways, and how to facilitate productive and sensitive conversation when students initiate discussion of these topics. As LGBQ issues are frequently covered in the American media, and often represent a significant cultural shift for EL adults, the article recommends professional development approaches to give teachers clearer strategies for introducing and exploring them.
Equitable Written Assessments for English Language Learners: How Scaffolding Helps
Author(s): Marcelle A. Siegel, Deepika Menon, Somnath Sinha, Nattida Promyod, Cathy Wissehr, Kristy L. Halverson
Publication URL: DOI:10.1007/s10972-014-9392-1
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: Middle School (6-8)
Keywords: Assessment, Content Area Instruction, STEM Instruction, Scaffolding, Science Instruction
Summary:
This article discusses the effectiveness of scaffolding methods in assessment of science content area knowledge for ELs. It provides specific examples of how images and charts, as well as changes in wording, can increase ELsÍ opportunities to express their content area knowledge accurately on written tests.
Facilitating Young English Language LearnersÍ Writing Skill Development
Author(s): Yanhui Pang
Publication URL: The NERA Journal (2017), Volume 52(1)
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: Early Elementary (Grades K-2), Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5)
Keywords: Cultural Responsiveness, Literacy, Writing
Summary:
This article describes several writing activities that support the development of academic writing skills for ELs in grades K-5: book reviews, journal keeping, creative writing, and sharing. It includes images of studentsÍ writing samples and of visual prompts that can be used in instruction.
Using Collaborative Strategic Reading with Refugee English Language Learners in an Academic Bridging Program
Author(s): Kent Lee
Publication URL: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1134414.pdf
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: Adult and Continuing
Keywords: Academic Bridging Programs, Literacy, Newcomer Students, Reading Instruction, Refugees, Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education
Summary:
This article describes the use of a Collaborative Strategic Reading approach when helping young adult refugees achieve literacy in English. It outlines a structure for CSR instruction that can be readily adapted for classroom use, and examines the particular benefits of such an approach for students with high oral proficiency in conversational English but ongoing challenges with academic reading.
Practical Guidelines for the Education of English Language Learners: Research-Based Recommendations for Instruction and Academic Interventions
Author(s): David J. Francis, Mabel Rivera, Nonie Lesaux, Michael Kieffer, Hector Rivera
Publication URL: http://www.centeroninstruction.org/files/ELL1-interventions.pdf
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Keywords: Academic Language, Content Area Instruction, Literacy, Mathematics Instruction, Reading Instruction, STEM Instruction
Summary:
This extensive handbook provides concrete, detailed recommendations for instruction of ELs in reading and math. It defines educational concepts in clear terms and explains research-based approaches while addressing misconceptions. It focuses on academic language as a key component of proficiency in both reading and math.
Telling Stories: Using Drama & Multimedia with ESL Students
Author(s): none listed
Publication URL: http://eslstrategies.prel.org/
Category: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Keywords: Arts Instruction, Arts Integration, Drama and Storytelling
Summary:
This website archives a variety of strategies for integrating drama and storytelling into EL classrooms, in ways that promote critical thinking, language skills, and content area proficiency. It includes videos of activities as well as instructions and materials for implementing the activities.