The impact of social dimensions (e.g., parental involvement) on second language literacy acquisition is not well studied in the field (August & Shanahan, 2008). Although quite a few studies report immigrant parents' belief and perspectives of their children's second language reading and writing, it remains unknown for school teachers…

The concept of transnationalism in many disciplines has deepened appreciation for stories of immigrant adaptation in today's globalizing world--stories that reveal shifting conceptualizations of "home," the everyday practices (e.g., cooking) that help families establish meaningful connections to home, as well as the struggles to maintain those…

This article reports on the results of a 5-month intervention in one high school class of English language learners (ELLs) with limited or interrupted formal education using an instructional model developed by the authors. These students are a challenging group for educators, especially at the high school level because they must master content…

After noting the disconnect between students' passionate oral stories and their lifeless writing, an adult education instructor made specific instructional and curriculum changes in an ESOL reading and writing course. All changes served the purpose of teaching the element of voice in second language writing. The instructor used the issue of…

In language teaching, context is everything. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers must learn about the worlds in which the students they teach use English. The teachers often inhabit worlds that are very different from the ones students know, because of the ways in which class, race, gender, ethnicity, education, and legal…

Using a cooperative and situated learning approach, two vocational English-as-a-Second-Language instructors created a linguistic community of practice among nonnative speaking immigrant restaurant employees and their native speaking coworkers. (Author/VWL)

Provides an overview of the English Language Fellows program at the University of Rhode island, which was created in response to increasing enrollments of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students, a shortage of ESL resources to meet their individual needs, and a tendency toward segregation between ethnic groups on campus. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on how recent immigration factors in the urban environment of Vancouver, British Columbia affect language education and policies at the local and provincial levels. Statistical analyses and surveys among teachers and administrators were used to get an overview of these factors to gain insight on language programs and impressions of teacher…

Introduces an issue dedicated to enhancing the social and academic achievement of immigrant secondary school students, explaining challenges such students face related to the English language; noting their need for access to information and school structures that facilitate both their academic and their social lives; and describing teachers' roles…

Describes a faculty-development program designed to change teacher attitudes, behavior, and instruction and, thus, improve the achievement of language-minority students in two New York state secondary schools. Examines challenges to creating and maintaining school structures that promote immigrant students' success and identifies factors that lead…

Describes a teacher-driven, teacher-defined professional-development process designed to create an immigrant-responsive high school. The project involved English-as-a-Second-Language and content teachers who collaborated to improve students' literacy. They examined other models, their own needs, and student data, then created an accelerated…

Discusses the nature of special education in Central America and the Caribbean, including policies, programs, definitions, and attitudes regarding disabilities. Also highlights factors in mainstream education that may be related to U.S. educators' perceptions of disabilities and offers recommendations for U.S. educators, especially…

One way to break down barriers and promote understanding among English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and mainstream students is to establish culture clubs. Culture clubs involve frequent exchange of information about social, academic, and cultural topics in extracurricular settings. They are a critical component of ESL programs. The article explains…

Immigrant English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students in secondary schools can benefit from contact with ESL college students. Their older peers can become mentors and role models, providing access to information on postsecondary education. The article explains how a pen pal project can bring these two groups together and describes how to create…

An immigrant's experience illustrates the support systems that foster self-confidence and facilitate the acquisition of communicative skills in a new language and culture. The article examines relationships among language and power, mentor and students, and impotence and empowerment in the context of learning to function effectively in U.S.…