English Language Learning

What do schools need to do to make sure English learners succeed? This article highlights nine elements of a strong program, based on three decades of research. Recommended best practices include accessible preschool programs, support for newcomers of all ages, and a focus on English language development.

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences, has released a new intervention report highlighting available research on Instructional Conversations and Literature Logs, an English Language Learning intervention.

A new report from the London-based National Centre for Languages (CILT) describes the benefits of bilingualism and highlights the contribution of community languages to UK education and society. The report cites a number of studies demonstrating the academic success of multilingual students. For example, a study of Portuguese children at secondary schools in London showed that those who were encouraged to continue studying their native language were five times as likely to achieve five top grade A to C grades on the General Certificate of Secondary Education. As Sir Trevor McDonald states in his introduction to the report,"We know that children are capable of acquiring more than one language and that doing so brings a range of educational benefits, including cognitive advantages, enhanced communication skills and an openness to different cultural perspectives."

U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings recently announced final regulations for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students. The new Title I Regulation is intended to help recently arrived LEP students learn English and other subjects while giving states and local school districts greater flexibility on assessment while continuing to hold them accountable under No Child Left Behind.