This book aims to provide practical, research-informed answers to the questions most frequently asked by teachers of second language learners. Every question targets one of the key instructional issues teachers must address to ensure success for their second language students. Included among the questions are: How do I assess a student's English? How do I make my spoken language more understandable? How do I get my reluctant speakers to speak English? How do I make a difficult textbook more readable? How do I teach grade-level content to English beginners? How do I find useful information on a student's cultural background? How do I support the student's first language when I don't speak the language? How do I help students improve their English writing? How do I minimize communication conflicts in a multilingual classroom? Actual stories from the classroom let readers watch and listen in on a variety of K-12 teachers as they frame and implement workable answers to these questions. Reflections following each classroom story pinpoint solid instructional practices and suggest additional strategies and techniques for building language and giving second language learners access to the core curriculum. A special reference and resource section contains numerous books, journals, Web sites, and professional organizations. An appendix of acronyms and a detailed index is also included. (KFT)