Myths and Realities: Best Practices for English Language Learners

A lot has changed since the first edition of Myths and Realities, yet the trends in education are as undeniable as they were then: English language learners (ELLs) constitute the fastest growing population in U.S. schools and their teachers face an increasingly challenging educational context. For teachers and other educators, acquiring the understanding and skills to help ELLs succeed academically is more urgent than ever. That's why Katharine Davies Samway and Denise McKeon have returned to update the myths they challenged in the first edition of Myths and Realities, address new ones that have arisen since, and discuss how teachers of ELLs can ensure that their students will fare well in the era of No Child Left Behind. Written for any teacher or education professional, Myths and Realities, Second Edition, is an invaluable resource for clarifying persistent misunderstandings about what second language learners can do, what they need, and what methods work best for them. In an easy-to-read format Samway and McKeon state often-heard myths about ELLs and then address the reality. They follow up with support for the reality they describe, citing the most recent and most pertinent research, outlining implications for instruction, and illustrating it all with vignettes drawn from real classrooms. Myths and Realites, Second Edition, helps you replace misinformation about ELLs with crucial knowledge important to everyone working with second language learners, including information on: second language acquisition assessment, programming, and placement staffing and staff development involving parents and the community literacy development and teaching. Myths and Realities, Second Edition includes a glossary that defines the field's changing and often-confusing acronyms and terms as well as an annotated list of helpful resources, featuring the latest and most informative websites for understanding and working with ELLs. Don't let confusion and misunderstandings about English language learners keep you from helping your students succeed. Read Myths and Realities, Second Edition, and get the most up-to-date information about just how capable nonnative speakers are and how many of the skills and practices you already use can help them become successful and proficient speakers, readers, and writers of English.…