English Language Learners in American Classrooms: 101 Questions, 101 Answers

by James Crawford, Stephen D. Krashen

With increasing numbers of ELLs posing unique challenges and opportunities for schools, the authors address educators' concerns in a concise and accessible way. The book provides a basic but comprehensive introduction that serves as a state-of-the-art guide to the field, using a straightforward Q&A format designed to focus sharply on the major issues, such as the research on effectiveness of various programs, and assessment and accountability for ELLs. For use with Grades K–12.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Linguistics

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Nancy]

These 101 questions and answers can really be boiled down to two:

1. Q: What is the best way to teach English language learners?
A: Through bilingual education, allowing the students to get the content knowledge they need as they develop their English.

2. Q: But --?
A: No, the following research defeats that argument.

The book makes a strong argument for bilingual education and against many of the ways that school systems (including mine) treat ELLs.

[Malbadeen]

must...read....book. Have to.....read....book. dont want to.....read.....book.

[Kristal]

Very good at answering questions for a teacher who has many questions about how English Language Learners (ELLs) can be accomidatted in a classroom.

[Nicholas]

Crawford takes a critical look at the history, politics and practice of teaching language minority students. His biases are mine, i.e. pro bilingual, and he keeps up on all the latest in research, theory, politics and news. A little too detailed on some historical ins and outs at times, but those can be skimmed.

[Fabiola Navarro]

A wonderful resource that answers the most common questions regarding English Language Learners. The book has 101 questions and 101 answers. Great read!

[Chelsie Erin]

A thorough over view of questions concerning English Language Learners and the role of English in America and American schools. The order of the questions had a good flow. Each question related to the one that followed. My biggest complaint is that the references for the answers are not in the text which makes them not always feels researched based and backed. However, a list of references for each question can be found in the back along with a list for further reading.

Over all a good quick read for those interested not only in "English Learners in American Classrooms" but all English learners in America and the policies towards English teaching and English use in American government.

[John]

Excellent primer on the "English Only" debate that has been raging in the United States. Accurately identifies the national wealth the nation possesses with its rich resource of multiple languages in terms of global trade and defense. A must read for those that seek a stronger country!

[CR Williams]

FINALLY done with the class!

[Trista]

A good book that outlines the issues surrounding the education of English language learners.

[Lyn]

Excellently written book concerning English Language Learners. I read this in two days. Loads of great information.