"A savvy ethnographer, Staiger reveals the social contours of an urban high school with no racial majority. Here black, white, Latino, and Asian adolescents aggressively use race and gender as tools to define identities and groups across multiple school spaces. Viewed by outsiders as harmonious, this school seethes with strong divisions and alliances among racial groups jockeying for position in a familiar white-to-black hierarchy. Concealed behind color-blind talk, society's racial stratification system replicates itself in an internal segregation of 'gifted' and 'at risk' students. If schools are testing grounds for social justice and equality, this one is more failure than success."--Joe R. Feagin, Texas A & M University
"American schools are a battleground of diverse issues--busing, unequal access to resources, multicultural education and bilingual classes, gangs, and declining property values. Underlying all of these is the issue of race. Thank goodness for Annegret Staiger, who is not afraid to shine a bright light on the social conflicts our children navigate every day. Learning Difference digs deep into the lives of high school students of different backgrounds to explore how they live together and apart, managing friendship and animosity, challenged by well-meaning but misguided school policies. This book should be required reading in every teacher-training degree, and placed on the desk of every principal."--Kevin Bales, President, Free the Slaves

The children of Mexican immigrant families are the fastest growing population in American schools today. Education can be the key to a better quality of life, especially for a population that faces breathtakingly high poverty rates and few other opportunities for social mobility. But these children are too frequently considered at risk academically. What more can be done to help them succeed? Mexican Roots, American Schools offers a fresh take on this timely and critically important issue by focusing on the first years of elementary school and the complex interplay of learning with other aspects of children's lives. Its social policy recommendations will be essential reading for educators, policymakers, and parents alike. Based on the first-ever national study of the school readiness of Mexican immigrant children, this book examines how various aspects of their lives-including health, the home environment, and childcare arrangements-help or hurt their academic performance. Drawing a comprehensive picture, it shows that these children start school behind their peers and only fall farther behind over the years. The author forcefully maintains that this situation does not need to continue. Crosnoe outlines which factors make the most difference, and recommends policy initiatives that would help change things. In addressing educational inequality, we need to target the earliest years of school and pre-school programs, offer resource centers and services for students and parents, and consider how health and home inevitably seep their way into the schools.

This book provides educators with an accessible guide to best practices concerning content-based instruction (CBI) models and their use in English learner inclusive classrooms. The author effectively bridges the gap between theory and practice with a critical analysis of practical examples and diverse strategies for the inclusion of English learners into K-12 general education courses. The book also raises controversial questions regarding who is qualified to teach English learners and who is responsible for doing so, looking at the difficulties faced by both general educators and ESL teachers in Inclusive Classrooms. By providing a lens through which both ESL teachers and general educators are able to analyze, compare and contrast a range of widely-employed CBI methods, this book allows teachers to make informed decisions in their EL program development and work with English learners in K-12 schools.

This volume identifies resources, models, and specific practices for improving teacher preparation for work with second language learners. It shows how faculty positioned themselves to learn from resources, experts, preservice teachers, their own practice, and each other. The teacher education professionals leverage their experience to offer theoretical and practical insights regarding how other faculty could develop their own knowledge, improve their courses, and understand their influence on the preservice teachers they serve. The book addresses challenges others are likely to experience while improving teacher preparation, including preservice teacher resistance, the challenge of adding to already-packed courses, the difficulty of recruiting and retaining busy faculty members, and the question of how to best frame the larger issues. The authors also address options for integrating the work of improving teacher preparation for linguistic diversity into a variety of different teacher education program designs. Finally, the book demonstrates a data-driven approach that makes this work consistent with many institutions' mandate to produce research and to collect evidence supporting accreditation.

The contribution of this book is to synthesize important common themes and highlight the unique features, findings, and lessons learned from three systematic, ongoing research and professional learning projects for supporting English learners in science. Each project, based in a different region of the U.S. and focused on different age ranges and target populations, actively grapples with the linguistic implications of the three-dimensional learning required by the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. Each chapter provides research-based recommendations for improving the teaching of science to English learners. Offering insights into teacher professional learning as well as strategies for measuring and monitoring how well English learners are learning science and language, this book tells a compelling and inclusive story of the challenges and the opportunities of teaching science to English learners.

First published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 1992. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The South African higher education system has historically been characterized by racial and gender inequities inherited from the discriminatory policies of the apartheid era. Emerging from a higher education history plagued with deeply entrenched racial disparities, Voices of Conflict examines how academic programs and structures at the historically white universities have responded to the increasing enrollment of black students since the enactment of the Universities Amendment Act in 1983. Dr. Mabokela specifically seeks to understand the perceptions and attitudes of students, faculty, and administrators and to determine how these respective constituents have responded to changes in student demographics. Her study brings to light, with clarity and thoroughness, many too often overlooked and neglected issues in higher education in South Africa.

Prophetic Insight explores contentious issues in higher education concerning black students relative to larger society, while providing the competing perspectives needed to understand and evaluate multiculturalism and the diverging exigencies facing the higher education system in America. Ernest N. Bracey invites conversation about the pedagogy of blacks, discusses the current state of Black Studies, the W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington debate, and Afrocentricity. He invites an appreciation of the beginnings and roots of black education in America, recognizing the debate over affirmative action, and explores the uniqueness of historically black colleges and universities. Most importantly, Bracey provides constructive and analytical information on the necessary methods of examining African American politics and higher education within the context of historical and contemporary issues.

The role of English in the global arena has prompted official language-in-education policy makers to adopt language education policies to enable its citizens to be proficient in English and to access knowledge. Local educational contexts in different countries have implemented English education in their own ways with different pedagogical goals, motivations, features and pedagogies. While much of the research cited in English language planning policy has focused on macro level language policy and planning, there is an increasing interest in micro planning, in particular teacher agency in policy response. Individual teacher agency is a multifaceted amalgam, not only of teachers' individual histories, professional training, personal values and instructional beliefs, but also of how these interact with local interpretations and appropriations of policy. Teacher Agency and Policy Response in English Language Teaching examines the agency of the teacher in negotiating educational reforms and policy changes at the local and national levels. Chapters in the book include: English language teaching in China: teacher agency in response to curricular innovations Incorporating academic skills into EFL curriculum: teacher agency in response to global mobility challenge Teacher agency, the native/nonnative dichotomy, and "English Classes in English" in Japanese high Schools Teacher-designed high stakes English language testing: washback and impact This book will appeal to researcher across all sectors of education, in particular key stakeholders in curriculum and language planning. Those interested in the latest development of English language teaching will also find this book a valuable resource.

The book, Teaching ELLs Across Content Areas: Issues and Strategies, is a unique, useful text written for K-12 teachers. This book is the culmination of the professional knowledge, expertise, and experience from the distinguished authors who represent the entire range of the content areas, including: language arts, science, mathematics, technology, arts, psychology, and Hispanic studies. The ELL school population has reached 5.3 million with the increase rate of 51 percent from School Yearr 1998-1999 to 2008-2009 (NCELA, 2012). By 2025, one out of four K-12 students will be ELLs (NEA Policy Brief, 2013). The NEA data states that the ELLs are the fastest-growing student populatio n group in our schools and providing them with high-quality services and programs is an important investment in America's future (NEA Policy Brief, 2013). With the fast growth of the ELLs in schools, basic information and strategies are needed by all K-12 teachers. This book provides useful information and strategies for all K-12 teachers in content classrooms. This book has three significances. First, the book provides the most needed information for K-12 teachers with issues and strategies that are important in content areas to help ELLs' success. With the fast growth of the ELLs in schools, K-12 teachers need this information in conte nt classrooms. Second, the book fills the gap related to teaching ELLs in content areas. There are some existing books with titles on teaching ELLs across content areas; yet, these books provide general information with fewer books that really address specific content topics. This book is unique because it has the dedicated chapters for specific content areas, e.g., Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies with issues and strategies in these respective contents as well as general information, e.g., L2 theories for teachers to know and work with ELLs. Third, the book is reader-friendly with carefullycrafted chapters. Each chapter begins with a scenario to catch the reader's attention, is followed by issues and strategies, and ends with a summary. A scenario begins with each chapter for teachers to get to know the ELLs with the content that focuses on the related information and teaching strategies. With the continued increase in the ELL school population, this book is intended helping all K-12 teachers in content areas have knowledge and stategies to better serve their ELLs.

Creating Equitable Classrooms Through Action Research looks at the issue of educational equity and illustrates how action research can be used schoolwide or districtwide to address this challenge. The editors have been involved in a highly successful and much studied action research that is used districtwide with a focus on the particular demographics and challenges of their district. The results of the action research study have created a deep knowledge base and capacity. The text provides an overview of the key conceptual and structural features for implementing a schoolwide or districtwide action research program and includes ten studies on narrowing the achievement gap between racial and ethnic groups. The findings of the action research study are connected to the broader body of knowledge on equity in schools. The action research studies illustrate varied approaches to help educators planning an action research project or currently working on an action research project. Real stories and studies from classroom teachers serve as examples of authentic professional development and as springboards for discussion and reflection on the process of inquiry and the issues of equity. The book includes: - 10 action research studies that focus on equity, race, and the achievement gap - how to implement a school-wide or district wide action research program that will promote equity and help close the achievement gap This is an ideal resource for school district leaders, teachers, and preservice teachers, and is also suited for professional development schools.

This volume takes a critical look at teaching and learning English across the globe. Its aim is to fill a gap in the literature created by the omission of the voices of those engaged in the everyday practice of teaching and learning English; those of students, teachers, and specialists. Three unique characteristics give this book broad appeal. They include its inclusion of the perspectives and experiences of students and educators involved in the everyday practice of English language teaching and learning its inclusion of the experiences of students and educators in both core and non-core English-speaking countries its basis on original, qualitative studies conducted by scholars in different parts of the world including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas Of particular interest to applied linguists, scholars from diverse fields such as English as a Foreign/Second Language, English as an International Language, anthropology and education, English education, sociolinguistics, and bilingual education will also find value in this book. Written in accessible language, it can be used in such courses as Applied Linguistics, Second Language Classroom Contexts, Bilingualism and Multilingualism, English Around the World, Research Methodologies in Second Language Acquisition, and Research in Second Language Pedagogical Contexts. In addition, by focusing on presenting research experiences that adopt several epistemological and theoretical approaches, the book provides teachers of research with a great tool to examine varied applications of qualitative methods, data collection, and analytic techniques. Thus it could also be used for courses in Field Research and Qualitative Methods.

Among the many recent books on educational reform, Eugene E. Garcia's Hispanic Education in the United States stands out as a landmark work. Garcia vibrantly portrays what works in creating better educational opportunities and effective school reform. He also offers a telling reflection on the bicultural experience of minority groups in the U.S. Culture is an asset in any individual's educational attainment. Garcia shows how and why our educational reforms therefore must seek to build upon rather than downplay the native culture and language of minority students. Poignant stories from the author's life and from many other teachers and students make this a vital book for the university classroom, and for any reader interested in the rapidly changing dynamics of America's schools.

There is much variability with regard to the type, depth and effectiveness of training teachers receive in understanding and meeting the needs of English language learners (ELLs) in public schools across the country, yet the rise in the number of learners has been substantial. Although it is important that teachers have knowledge and skills related to instructional methods and approaches for teaching ESL, they may also be confronted with policies that disadvantage ELLs, such as compulsory standardized testing, and unrealistic curriculum demands. They may also lack appropriate resources, and be faced with learners who have learning disabilities and behavioral issues associated with culture shock. The book is designed to present classroom-oriented topics that are fundamental to the professional development of pre-service, novice, and veteran teachers working with ELLs. Such topics include issues surrounding initial orientation and student placement; the acculturation process for ELLs and particular concerns of refugee students; challenges involved in making accommodations and curricular modifications as well as determining if ELLs have special needs; social and emotional difficulties affecting ELL performance and communicating with parents; and bullying behaviors, learner advocacy and transitioning. The book may be used as a supplement to a course textbook on second language acquisition and teaching, or as the main focus of a course, to which other material is added. The short case studies provide an opportunity for teachers to engage in dialogue and wrestle with issues and dilemmas that pertain to ELLs in reallife school settings. They provide a stimulus that help teachers explore their underlying assumptions about the languages, cultures, and experiences that their ELLs bring to the school community. Acknowledging learners' strengths and aspirations prepares all students for success in our global society.

Bringing together leading scholars and teacher educators from across the world, from Europe and the USA to Asia, this book presents the latest research and new perspectives into the uses of children's literature in second language teaching for children and young adults. Children's Literature in Second Language Education covers such topics as extensive reading, creative writing in the language classroom, the use of picturebooks and graphic novels in second language teaching and the potential of children's literature in promoting intercultural education. The focus throughout the book is on creative approaches to language teaching, from early years through to young adult learners, making this book an essential read for those studying or embarking on second language teaching at all levels.

A Book for Every Teacher: Teaching English Language Learners is a unique and compressive text written for mainstream classroom teachers. The passion for writing this book comes from our working experiences with the K-12 teachers in four school districts through our ELL Center professional development program. Through this program, we provide professional training through our federally funded research and service projects. The purpose of our professional training is to prepare general education teachers to work effectively with English language learners (ELLs). While working with the teachers on a daily basis, we know the immediate needs of the teachers. This motivated us to embark this book project. In recent years, the ELL school population has the highest increase among school populations. As the NEA data indicates, providing ELL students with high quality services and programs is an important investment in America's future (NEA, 2013). This book is our investment in helping teachers to meet their challenges and provide useful information and strategies for teaching ELLs. The book is designed with K-12 teachers in mind. It is best used by teachers who have or will have ELLs in their classrooms and who seek information and strategies to better work with and serve their ELLs to achieve academic success. With this design, teachers can use the book as a text or reference tool. This book can also be adopted as text materials for professional training. Teachers are the most important factor for ELLs' academic success.

More than any book to date, this one provides a comprehensive approach to designing, building, implementing and interpreting test results that validly measure the academic achievement of English language learners. It scaffolds the entire process of test development and implementation and discusses essential intervention points. The book provides the type of evidence-based guidance called for in federal mandates such as the NCLB legislation. Key features of this important new book include the following... Comprehensive - This book recommends methods for properly including ELLs throughout the entire test development process, addressing all essential steps from planning, item writing and reviews to analyses and reporting. Breadth and Depth of Coverage- Coverage includes discussion of the key issues, explanations and detailed instructions at each intervention point. Research Focus - All chapters include an extensive review of current research. Emerging Trends - The chapters summarize guidance appropriate for innovative computer-based assessments of the future as well as the paper-and-pencil tests of today. This book is appropriate for anyone concerned with the development and implementation of fair and accurate testing programs for English language learners. This includes university based researchers, testing personel at the federal, state and local levels, teachers interested in better assessing their diverse student populations and those involved in the testing industry. It is also appropriate for instructors teaching undergraduate and graduate courses devoted to testing the full range of students in todays schools.

ESL Readers and Writers in Higher Education describes the challenges ESL students in U.S. postsecondary institutions face when studying in a second language, and offers suggestions for how teachers, advisors, tutors, and institutions might provide support that meets the reading and writing needs of this very important student population. Because the ESL profession as a whole, including what professionals are doing in the classroom, sits under the umbrella of an institutional response to a language-related challenge, some solutions aimed at helping students achieve optimal proficiency lie outside of the classroom. As such, this book is based on the assertion that language development support is not the sole responsibility of language teachers. Everyone on campuses that hosts ESL students bears some responsibility for these students' language development. Chapters are therefore, intentionally adapted to appeal to a wide variety of readers from classroom teachers, and teachers in training, to admissions officers, academic advisors, and international student advisors.

There is a growing need for knowledge and practical ideas about the preparation of teachers for English language learners (ELLs), a growing segment of the K-12 population in the United States. This book is for teachers, administrators, and teacher educators looking for innovative ways to prepare teachers for ELLs and will position teachers to empower these students. This volume will appeal mostly to those preparing teachers in contexts that have not have historically had large numbers of ELLs, but have had a high rate of recent growth (e.g., Midwestern U.S.). This work is the combination of teacher preparation and ELL issues. This volume is unique in tackling pre-service and in service teacher preparation. Additionally, the chapters collectively aim to go beyond merely equipping teachers to meet the needs of ELLs, but to reach a level of effectiveness with the outcome of equity. The book highlights the knowledge, skills, and beliefs of teachers about ELLs. Part I addresses teacher perceptions of, and beliefs about, ELLs and teacher preparation specifically addressing what they should know in terms of students' perspectives. Chapters attend to the experiences and beliefs of immigrant teachers about their roles, the role of service learning in teacher preparation, and the potential of understanding home literacy practices to change teacher beliefs about ELLs. Part II focuses on skills necessary to teach ELLs-writing skills teachers can draw on to inform their teaching practices, technological skills teachers need to develop, and skills related to focusing on the Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics. Each chapter explicitly addresses implications for teacher education or professional development.

This book describes the educational experiences and linguistic outcomes of students in Chicago, Illinois, who are attending one of the oldest Spanish-English dual immersion schools in the United States. The author follows a group of students during fifth grade and again during eighth grade, documenting their Spanish use and proficiency as well as how Spanish and English intersect with the ongoing production of their identities.

ESL Readers and Writers in Higher Education describes the challenges ESL students in U.S. postsecondary institutions face when studying in a second language, and offers suggestions for how teachers, advisors, tutors, and institutions might provide support that meets the reading and writing needs of this very important student population. Because the ESL profession as a whole, including what professionals are doing in the classroom, sits under the umbrella of an institutional response to a language-related challenge, some solutions aimed at helping students achieve optimal proficiency lie outside of the classroom. As such, this book is based on the assertion that language development support is not the sole responsibility of language teachers. Everyone on campuses that hosts ESL students bears some responsibility for these students' language development. Chapters are therefore, intentionally adapted to appeal to a wide variety of readers from classroom teachers, and teachers in training, to admissions officers, academic advisors, and international student advisors.