English Language Learners and the New Standards

English Language Learners and the New Standards Developing Language, Content Knowledge, and Analytical Practices in the Classroom

Margaret Heritage, Aída Walqui, and Robert Linquanti, foreword by Kenji Hakuta

In English Language Learners and the New Standards, three leading scholars present a clear vision and practical suggestions for helping teachers engage ELL students in simultaneously learning subject-area content, analytical practices, and language. This process requires three important shifts in our perspective on language and language learning—from an individual activity to a socially engaged activity; from a linear process aimed at correctness and fluency, to a developmental process, focused on comprehension and communication; and from a separate area of instruction to an approach that embeds language development in subject-area activities.

Praise

This easy-to-understand book is worth every minute. The authors offer thoughtful descriptions of content and language integration for English language learners to be college and career-ready. Complex theories of second language acquisition, teaching, learning, and assessment are made accessible. Classroom vignettes across content areas and grade levels make for fun reading. And all in such a concise book. — Ohkee Lee, professor, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University

This book is a must-read for all educators, but essential for all teachers working with English language learners. It identifies the necessary shifts in instruction and policy that must take place in order for educators to successfully engage in the common core with ELLs. The concrete examples put forth allow educators to reevaluate and quickly shift their practice. It is a game changer for the system as a whole. — Angélica Infante-Green, former CEO, Office of English Language Learners, New York City Department of Education

English Language Learners and the New Standards challenges us to make major pedagogical reformulations in order to use existing research to better serve English language learners... I would recommend this book for principals, ELL teachers and general education teachers who have ELLs in their classrooms. — Nancy L. Wagner, School Administrator

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About the Authors

Margaret Heritage is senior scientist at WestEd and assistant director at the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing at the University of California, Los Angeles. For many years her work has focused on formative assessment and on how teachers can implement effective formative assessment in their classrooms. She has made numerous presentations all over the United States, as well as in Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has published extensively on the topic. Her last book, Formative Assessment in Practice: A Process of Inquiry and Action, was also published by Harvard Education Press.

Aída Walqui directs the Teacher Professional Development Program at WestEd. She specializes in the professional growth required by teachers to work with second-language learners deeply and generatively. Her work has focused on defining, designing, and supporting quality education in multilingual, intercultural contexts in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. She has published extensively on issues related to teacher professional development and the development of deep literacies with English language learners.

Robert Linquanti is project director and senior researcher at WestEd. His work helps educators and policy makers at local, state, and national levels to strengthen assessment, evaluation, and accountability policies, practices, and systems for English language learners. He has published and presented widely on evaluating education policies, establishing comprehensive assessment systems, and improving accountability and equity for ELLs. He serves on several state and national advisory bodies related to these topics.