English Language Learners - National Council of Teachers of English

English Language LearnersSupplemental Resources for NCTE’s Policy Research BriefThis document is a supplement toEnglish Language Learners: A Policy Research Brief,produced by the National Council of Teachers of English.Research Clips on English Language LearnersResearch Clips are short research-based responses to questions about practice. For more detailedexplanations and a list of related research, see English Language Learners: A Policy Research Brief.www.ncte.org/library/files/Publications/Newspaper/Chron0308PolicyBrief.pdfAccounting for English Language Learner Studentsand a Global and Multilingual WorldWhat are some major concerns surrounding English language learner education?Our U.S. student populations are drastically shifting as a result of a newly-global, diverse, andchanging world. Our classrooms reflect these changes and demand a response.o English language learners (ELLs) are the fastest growing segment of the studentpopulation. 1o ELL students are increasingly present in all US states. 2o ELLs sometimes struggle academically. 3o These numbers lead to reports about an emerging and underserved population ofstudents who are ELLs.Changing Ideas about English Language Learner EducationWhat are some misconceptions we can change about English language learners?ELLs are often perceived and placed as students with learning disabilities. This designation mayor may not be accurate; further, research suggests that ELLs with disabilities can learn, and earlyintervention can prevent academic failure. Inclusive environments that provide challenging ratherthan remedial instruction will be most effective. 4A variety of factors affect student language acquisition, and language acquisition is not a simple,quick, or once-and-for-all process, nor is it the same process for all students. Because Englishlanguage learning is a recursive and multifaceted process, educators should integrate listening,speaking, reading, and writing skills into instruction from the start. 5Instructional support for ELLs benefits not just them, but all students. Many cognitive aspects ofreading are common to both native speakers of English and ESL learners, though researchshows that teachers should pay additional attention to background knowledge, interaction, andword use with ELLs. 6Teacher Strategies for English Language LearnersWhat strategies can teachers use to support English language learners in the classroom? Present ELLs with challenging curricular content. 7 Set high expectations for ELLs. 8 Use technology effectively. 9 Recognize sociocultural factors. 10 Position native languages and home environments as resources. 11 Teach ELLs in grades K-8 the basics of academic literacy, such as those recommended bymodels like Five Standards for Effective Pedagogy, Cognitive Academic Language LearningApproach (CALLA), and Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). 12 , 131 English Language Learners

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