Double the Work: Challenges and Solutions to Acquiring Language and Academic Literacy for Adolescent English Language Learners

Author: Short, D.J., & Fitzsimmons, S.
Publisher: Alliance for Excellent Education
Publication Date: 2007
Publication City: Washington
Publication State: DC
Full text available online at: http://www.all4ed.org/publications/DoubleWork/DoubleWork.pdf

Abstract (written by WestEd)

Produced by the Alliance for Excellent Education, this report describes the diverse community of English language learners (ELLs), demonstrates the differences in challenges facing native English-speaking struggling readers and ELLs, defines Academic Literacy, and identifies six challenges to improving ELL literacy:

  1. Lack of criteria for identifying ELLs and tracking their academic performance
  2. Lack of appropriate assessments
  3. Inadequate educator capacity for improving literacy in ELLs
  4. Lack of appropriate and flexible program options
  5. Inadequate use of research-based instructional practices
  6. Lack of a strong and coherent research agenda about adolescent ELL literacy
Each challenge description is followed by an extensive "Potential Solutions" discussion with specific recommendations. The report closes with considerations for policymakers.



Find all Resources by Topic

Would you like to see all of SchoolsMovingUp's offerings by topic? Go to our Topics section to see Webinars, Tips to Go, Schools on the Move, Districts on the Move and more organized by topic.

From WestEd.org

The Map of Standards for English Learners,
Grades 6-12

"The Map of Standards has proved invaluable in helping classroom teachers understand the ELD standards. We are using the maps in all our EL PDI institutes and have requests for more copies."—Claudia Lockwood, Director of Multilingual Education, San Joaquin County Office of Education

Suggest a Resource

Submit a school improvement article or a link you think would complement our site.