Transforming Education for English Language Learners: Five New Resources
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“Defining quality education for English language learners/multilingual learners in the U.S. starts with our being mindful of three critical ideas: the role and purpose of education in a democracy, the need to transform the current state of education for English language learners (ELLs)/multilingual learners (MLLs) to enable their full participation in our evolving society, and the importance of using solid theory to drive that transformation in the education of ELLs/MLLs.” — Aída Walqui, WestEd
What changes in thinking and practice are necessary to ensure English language learners (ELLs) and multilingual learners (MLLs) receive equitable, quality instruction that prepares them for full participation in society?
This series of briefs explores ways to build the potential of ELL/MLL students and help them to become fully multilingual, intercultural, and literate students who enjoy rigorous academic activity.
The briefs, published by the New York State Department of Education, were written by Aída Walqui, Elsa Billings, and Peggy Mueller of WestEd’s Quality Teaching for English Learners.
Visit these resource pages to learn more and to download the briefs:
- Quality Education for ELLs/MLLs: Why We Need It and How We Can Achieve It (Walqui)
- Quality Student Interactions: Why Are They Crucial to Language Learning and How Can We Support Them? (Billings, Mueller)
- De-Mystifying Complex Texts: What are “Complex” Texts and How Can We Ensure ELLs/MLLs Can Access Them? (Billings, Walqui)
- The Zone of Proximal Development: An Affirmative Perspective in Teaching ELLs/MLLs (Billings, Walqui)
- Dispelling the Myth of “English Only”: Understanding the Importance of the First Language in Second Language Learning (Billings, Walqui)