English Language Learners: Rigor for Language and Academic Achievement

States across the country have adopted rigorous academic standards that present an important challenge for educators and their students, each of whom is expected to meet the state standards. This quick-reference, tri-fold laminated guide is designed to increase educators’ ability to make teaching and learning decisions based on research-based best practices for the academic and language achievement of English language learners (ELLs).

It includes information and guidance on

• Expectations for ELLs
• Engaging ELLs
• Four factors of language acquisition
• Types of programs for ELLs (native language instruction or support, ESL, content-area ESL, bilingual or one-way programs, co-teaching, two-way or dual language programs)
• 8 steps for implementing standards-based instruction
• Best practices for helping ELLs meet ELA/literacy standards
• An integrated approach to content and language objectives
• Proven instructional strategies such as scaffolding, developing metacognitive ability, teaching academic vocabulary, using visual tools, previewing, modeling, bridging, contextualizing, questioning

This guide can also serve to initiate professional learning conversations and guide educators to resources that will accelerate and improve the teaching and learning of English language learners.