Focus on English-Language Learners:
IRA Programs and Resources

U.S. schools now serve more than 14 million children nationwide who come from households in which English is not the primary language spoken. Many of these students do not do well on state-established tests of reading comprehension and drop out of high school at rates up to five times those of native English speakers. Some researchers estimate that by the year 2050, the percentage of children in the United States who arrive at school speaking a language other than English will reach 40%.

Below are suggested resources to help you meet the needs of English-language learners (ELL) and English as a second language (ESL) students. Find even more by visiting advanced search and selecting the “language learners” topic.

Recommended reading

NEW!  “Key Issues and Questions in ELL Literacy Research,” a joint paper of the International Reading Association and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Books and articles

“Help Your Child Learn English as a Second Language” booklet

News stories on language learners, from Reading Today Daily

Position statements

Second-Language Literacy Instruction

Resolutions

On Initial Literacy Instruction in a First Language for English Language Learners

Online resources

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

“Let’s Read It Again: Comprehension Strategies for English-Language Learners,” 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

Literacy Links for Teachers of 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.

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

Session: “Helping Immigrant Students With Limited Prior Schooling LEAP into School,” Paula Markus and Betty Ann Taylor, presenters.

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

Symposium: “Multiliteracies in the Classroom: Pedagogical Possibilities and Challenges,” Maria Jose Botelho et al., presenters

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

Session: “Closing the Content/Language Gap for Older English Language Learners,” Barbara Brannon, presenter

Session: “Making the Most of Your Time With Struggling Readers Who Are Also English Language Learners,” Pat Johnson, presenter

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

Online discussion group: RTEACHER

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