In this article, the author discusses the challenges of the English language learners (ELLs) to succeed in a society where they are expected to fail because teachers have been telling them over and over that they cannot make it or that they do not have what it takes. With time, these statements become part of the students' beliefs, and eventually they act on these beliefs. The author addresses the two critical elements that have to be changed in order to better address the needs of ELLs, keep them in schools, and increase their chances of success.