Explicit Direct Instruction for English Learners

Boost achievement for English learners in all subject areas!

Every teacher of English learners struggles with the very same issue. How do you build language skills at the same time that you′re teaching new content? That balancing act is about to get a whole lot easier. In this step-by-step guide, John Hollingsworth and Silvia Ybarra combine the best of educational theory, brain research, and data analysis to bring you explicit direct instruction (EDI): a proven method for creating and delivering lessons that help every student learn more and learn faster.

Teachers across all grades and subjects will learn how to

• Craft lessons that ELs can learn the first time they′re taught
• Check for understanding throughout each lesson
• Embed vocabulary development across the curriculum
• Address listening, speaking, reading, and writing in all lessons―thus meeting the goal of the Common Core

Featuring sample lessons, classroom examples, and boxed features, this accessible handbook provides the tools you need to become an EDI expert―and see real results from your English learners every day.

"What a great addition to every teacher′s toolkit! The authors show us how to include language acquisition in every lesson: It′s just ′good teaching′ for ELs!"
―Amy Nichols Webb, ESL Teacher
Hillcrest Elementary School, Morristown, TN

John Hollingsworth is president of DataWORKS Educational Research, a company originally created to use real data to improve student achievement. Although DataWORKS started by analyzing learning outcomes (test scores), it soon refocused towards analyzing learning inputs (classroom instructional practices).  DataWORKS now focuses mainly on providing staff development to schools on classroom instruction.  John is an active researcher and presenter and has published numerous articles in educational publications.  He spends much of his time on the road training teachers.

Dr. Silvia Ybarra, Ed.D., began her career in education as a physics and chemistry teacher at Roosevelt High School in Fresno, California.  Next, Silvia became principal of Wilson Middle School in Exeter, California, which under her leadership became a prestigious Distinguished School.  Silvia was then named assistant superintendent of Coalinga-Huron School District. Her focus progressed from helping one classroom to helping one school to helping an entire district.  Silvia is the head researcher at DataWORKS.