Academic Language! Academic Literacy!: A Guide for K-12 Educators

This hands-on resource provides teachers, coaches, and administrators with 36 research-based strategies that are proven to help students develop the necessary skills for academic language in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  English Language Learners, special needs students, and struggling readers will benefit from these literacy strategies that create academic success.  These practical and proven strategies fit in perfectly with an RTI Intervention Framework.

Major topics and themes include:

• What is academic language and how does it support content area instruction?
• How academic language strategies support academic reading, writing, listening and speaking?
• How are English Language Learners and socio-economically students affected by their limited understanding of academic langauge?
• Which research-based strategies make the biggest difference for struggling readers?
• How can we more effectively scaffold and model academic language in our academic instruction and interventions?

Eli R. Johnson is a consultant for the California Department of Education, supporting early literacy, English language professional development, and math and science projects. He works with urban districts throughout the state of California, strengthening teacher collaboration and school leadership. His previous experiences as a classroom teacher, site administrator, and instructional leader make him a valuable contributor to sustainable school reform. He earned a teaching degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Washington. As a nationally recognized speaker and consultant, Eli works with teachers and leaders regarding the achievement gap, adolescent literacy, school leadership, and other issues affecting student achievement. He is married to his wonderful wife, Shaunna, and they are the parents of five children: two in high school (Natalie and Mikaila), one in middle school (Bryce), one in elementary school (Erica,), and one in preschool (Benjamin). You can reach Eli at eli@achievement4all.com.