Double the Work: Challenges and Solutions to Acquiring Language and Academic Literacy for Adolescent English Language Learners

Author: Short, D.J., & Fitzsimmons, S.
Publisher: Alliance for Excellent Education
Publication Date: 2007
Publication City: Washington
Publication State: DC
Full text available online at: http://www.all4ed.org/publications/DoubleWork/DoubleWork.pdf

Abstract (written by WestEd)

Produced by the Alliance for Excellent Education, this report describes the diverse community of English language learners (ELLs), demonstrates the differences in challenges facing native English-speaking struggling readers and ELLs, defines Academic Literacy, and identifies six challenges to improving ELL literacy:

  1. Lack of criteria for identifying ELLs and tracking their academic performance
  2. Lack of appropriate assessments
  3. Inadequate educator capacity for improving literacy in ELLs
  4. Lack of appropriate and flexible program options
  5. Inadequate use of research-based instructional practices
  6. Lack of a strong and coherent research agenda about adolescent ELL literacy
Each challenge description is followed by an extensive "Potential Solutions" discussion with specific recommendations. The report closes with considerations for policymakers.



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