Focus on Language and Cultural Diversity:
IRA Programs and Resources

Today’s classrooms often include students whose first language is not the primary language of instruction, and whose cultures differ from that of the larger community. This means challenges — and opportunities — for educators.

Below are suggested resources to help you meet the needs of your diverse learners. Find even more by visiting advanced search and selecting the “language learners” topic or relevant subtopics under “theoretical perspectives.”

Recommended reading

Books and articles

Parent booklets and brochures, in Spanish and English

“Notable Books for a Global Society,” a booklist prepared by the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group

News stories on language and cultural diversity, from Reading Today Daily

Position statements

Second-Language Literacy Instruction

Making a Difference Means Making It Different

Resolutions

Cultural Awareness

Online resources

“Improving Literacy Outcomes for Latino Students: Ideology, Research, and Practice,” a multimedia presentation by Claude Goldenberg

“Lessons Learned About the Literacy Instruction of English Language Learners From Several Research Studies,” a multimedia presentation by Georgia Earnest García

“It’s OK to Be Different,” a lesson plan for grades K–2, at the ReadWriteThink website

“Nature Reflections: Interactive Language Practice for English-Language Learners,” a lesson plan for grades 3–5, at the ReadWriteThink website

“Exploring World Cultures Through Folk Tales,” a lesson plan for grades 3–5, at the ReadWriteThink website

“Making Personal and Cultural Connections Using A Girl Named Disaster,” a lesson plan for grades 6–8, at the ReadWriteThink website

“Behind the Masks,” a lesson plan for grades 9–12, at the ReadWriteThink website

Literacy Links for English Language Learners

Meetings and events

IRA’s annual convention always includes numerous sessions on topics related to language and cultural diversity. The following sessions appeared on the program for the 2007 convention.

Institute 4: “Second Language Literacy and Learning at Home, in the Classroom, and Around the World: Sociocultural, Research-Based Best Practices,” Paul Boyd-Batstone et al., presenters

Institute 5: “Linking Word Knowledge to the World: Vocabulary Learning Across Subject Areas With Both Native and Second Language Learners,” Diana Arya et al., presenters.

Microworkshop: “Maximizing Academic and Language Development in Content Area Literacy for English Language Learners Through Instructional Adaptations,” Jose Lalas et al., presenters

Microworkshop: “Myths, Facts, and Frameworks: Foundations for a Coordinated Plan to Develop Literacy for English Language Learners,” Karen Carrier et al., presenters

Microworkshop: “Building Academic Language With ELLs: Strategies for Success,” Joan William et al., presenters

Session: “Report of the IRA Urban Diversity Initiatives Commission and the IRA Commission on Second Language Literacy and Learning (a series of two sessions),” Bill Hammond et al., presenters

Symposium: “Planning and Implementing Vocabulary and Word Study Activities With English Learners,” Lori Helman et al., presenters

Other IRA meetings, including the biennial world congress and annual state/provincial and regional conferences, routinely include sessions on diverse learners.

Awards

Of the Association’s many awards and grants, the Dina Feitelson Research Award particularly invites nominations on subjects related to language and cultural diversity, including bilingualism, home influences on literacy development, and cross-cultural studies of beginning reading.

Community

The following groups within the Association are concerned particularly with issues of linguistic and cultural diversity. Their members can often serve as resources to others in the education community.

Commission: Second Language Literacy and Learning

Diversity Committee

Special interest group: Concerned Educators of Black Students

Online discussion group: RTEACHER

For more information about literacy and language and cultural diversity, contact IRA’s Public Information Office.