Category: English Learners

Oral Language Development: The Foundation of Literacy for English Learners

Oral language development is the foundation of reading and academic success for English Learners. What it is, why it matters, and how districts can build it at scale.

Structured Literacy for English Learners: The Science of Reading Applied

Structured literacy and the science of reading applied to English Learners: what the approach is, the components, and the oral language piece ELs need that others may not.

Academic Vocabulary: The Three Tiers and How to Teach Them

Academic vocabulary explained: the three tiers, why Tier 2 words matter most for English Learners, example word lists, and how to teach academic vocabulary effectively.

Newcomer Programs: How Districts Serve Recently Arrived English Learners

A newcomer program is specialized support for recently arrived immigrant students. Program models, what they include, funding, and how districts serve newcomers well.

Academic Language: What It Is, With Examples for Every Subject

Academic language with examples by subject and sentence frames: what it is, how it differs from everyday language, and why it blocks English Learners.

English Learner vs ESL vs ELL: What Every District Leader Needs to Know

EL and ELL name the student; ESL names the instruction. Here is what the difference means for compliance, funding, and data in your district.

What Is an English Learner? Definition, Criteria, and What It Means for Districts

The federal definition of an English Learner, the difference between EL, ELL, and ESL, how students are classified, and what the classification actually commits a district to.

How Schools Support English Learners: A Guide to Programs for English Language Learners

The main programs for English language learners, dual language, bilingual, sheltered, and ESL, compared for district leaders, with funding pathways.

Complete Guide to English Learners in U.S. Schools

About 5.3 million English Learners were enrolled in U.S. public schools in fall 2021. This guide covers identification, assessment, funding, instructional programs, and the biggest gap in EL instruction, written for the administrators who run these programs.

Small Group Instruction for English Learners: When It Works and When It Doesn’t

How small group instruction works for English Learners, its benefits and drawbacks, four steps to start, and why it still cannot close the speaking gap.