Learning the Language
Education Week reporters covered English-language learners, bilingual education, and civil rights issues and explored the educational, policy, and social issues surrounding ELLs in U.S. schools. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: English language learners and bilingual education.
English Learners
English-Learners and Ed Tech: A 'Tool Kit' From the Education Department
The U.S. Department of Education has released a five-step guide for educators on the hunt for tech tools to support their English-language-learner students and guidance to teachers already using technology in their classrooms.
English Learners
English-Learners Often Denied Full Access to STEM Education, Report Finds
"It is imperative that ELs have the same quality of STEM-related learning opportunities as their never EL peers," a new study concludes.
English Learners
The Five Most Common Native Languages of English-Learners
Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole are the most prevalent native languages spoken by English-learners in America's public schools, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Education.
Assessment
Most States Failing to Meet English-Learner Academic Targets, Report Finds
Over the past decade, English-learner enrollment in K-12 schools has increased by more than 100 percent in 11 states. While the number of ELL students is on the rise, the quality of education those students receive may not be keeping pace.
English Learners
Four Steps Schools Should Take to Identify Gifted English-Learners
Researchers from the National Center for Research on Gifted Education visited elementary and middle schools in three states to study schools that had "exemplary" track records in spotting academically talented ELLs. Nationally, only 2 percent of English-learners are enrolled in gifted and talented programs.
Federal
DeVos' Approval of Florida's ESSA Plan Is Bad for English-Learners, Advocates Say
The state's plan for educating English-language learners under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act falls short of equity for the state's 300,000 ELLs, advocates argue. The education secretary and federal education officials see things differently.
Federal
Education Programs Would Be Spared Under Trump Administration's Green Card Proposal
While the Trump administration proposal would not strip student eligibility for Head Start, the federal school lunch program, or the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, it could still affect millions of school-aged children who live with immigrant parents.
English Learners
Dual-Language Learning: Making Teacher and Principal Training a Priority
In this seventh installment on the growth in dual-language learning, two experts from Delaware explore how state education leaders can build capacity to support both students and educators.
Federal
ELL Teachers Are in Short Supply. Some Lawmakers Want to Fix That
Democrats in Congress are pushing legislation to help increase the skills and knowledge of teachers who work with English-learners, including how to identify and teach ELLs with disabilities and how to promote family and community engagement.
English Learners
Dual-Language Learning: A Former Principal's Advice for Schools
In this sixth installment on the growth in dual-language learning, an expert argues that true dual-language education is not just learning how to speak another language. The experience provides an opportunity to immerse a student in both language and culture.
English Learners
Dual-Language Learning: How Schools Can Empower Students and Parents
In this fifth installment on the growth in dual-language learning, the executive director of the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Colorado, Boulder., says districts should focus on the what students and their families need, not what educators want.
English Learners
Dual-Language Learning: How Schools Can Invest in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
In this fourth installment on the growth in dual-language learning, the director of dual-language education in Portland, Ore., says schools must have a clear reason for why they are offering dual-language instruction.
English Learners
Dual-Language Learning: How Schools Can Ensure It's for All Students
In this third installment on the growth in dual-language learning, one expert says broad access to programs is important, but that students need an early start to reap the benefits.
English Learners
Dual-Language Learning: How Schools Can Plan for a Strong Start
In this second installment on the growth in dual-language learning, one expert advises schools to take a year to plan a new program and commit to a K-12 endeavor to teach students to read, write, and speak fluently in two languages.
