Interactive Notebooks and English Language Learners: How to Scaffold Content for Academic Success

• scaffold content so English learners can develop and access background knowledge more readily
• increase English learners’ facility with academic language
• engage all students actively and improve their note-taking and retention abilities
• work with parents to add another layer of support for classroom goals
• assess student learning and progress authentically, encourage self-monitoring, and plan further instruction.

Jeannine D. Richison is coauthor of the Heinemann titles Interactive Notebooks for English Language Learners and Theme-Sets for Secondary Students. She taught secondary English for twenty-eight years and currently coordinates English education at California Polytechnic State University. She has worked in a variety of capacities with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the California Early Assessment Program, and the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. She has also been a speech and debate coach with the National Forensic League.

Anita Hernandez is coauthor of the Heinemann titles Interactive Notebooks for English Language Learners and Theme-Sets for Secondary Students. A former classroom teacher and college migrant program coordinator, she is Associate Professor in the college of education for California Polytechnic State University. She teaches reading and language-arts methods, and bilingual literacy methods courses for future teachers. Anita has directed a federal professional development grant for teachers of second language learners, worked with the California Muni-Corps Program, consulted with the San Diego County Office of Education, and served with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Marcia Carter has taught English for thirty-two years and is a consultant for the California Region 8 AVID precollegiate program. She is a statewide and national presenter for many organizations, including AVID, NCTE, IRA, and ASCD.