Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction

by Elsa Cardenas-Hagan (Editor), Sharon Vaughn (Foreword)

More than 5 million English learners attend U.S. public schools—and yet fewer than 3% of teachers are certified to work with them. Fill that gap in teacher education with this practical and comprehensive textbook, an evidence-based guide to providing English learners in Pre-K–Grade 6 with explicit, systematic instruction on language and literacy fundamentals. Aligned with IDA's Knowledge and Practice Standards, this book prepares current and future educators to teach English learners the key components of language and literacy, as first described in the National Literacy Panel report. For each component, teachers will get a dedicated chapter with research-based insights on how to teach English learners, guidance on making connections across languages when teaching that component, and ready-to-use principles and strategies for instruction. Learning objectives, study questions, and extended application activities help educators grow their knowledge and apply it in their classrooms. An essential text for courses on literacy foundations and biliteracy—and an ideal in-service professional development resource—this accessible book will give teachers the knowledge base they need to help English learners develop strong literacy skills and achieve academic success. PREPARE TEACHERS Enter their classroom with a full understanding of the language and literacy development of English learners Teach English learners the key components of language and phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and writing skills Apply insights from current, reliable research on how best to teach English learners Use specific, evidence-based principles, strategies, activities, and sample teacher–student dialogues to guide and strengthen instruction Leverage technology to adapt and enhance instruction for English learnersONLINE COMPANION MATERIALS Faculty will get helpful PowerPoint slides for each chapter, plus a sample syllabus that shows you how to use this book in your course.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Professional Development, School

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2020

Reviews

[Catherine Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Dr Cárdenas-Hagan. Lots of good info here that applies to all learners for reading, not just MLLs (though good info for that subgroup, too!).

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a book study with Mount Saint Joesph University. We are supposed to read a little each week, but I couldn’t help myself by reading ahead. The book explores how to teach ESL students literacy. Basically, the way you teach it is following The National Reading Panels guidelines for reading instruction that is backed by scientific research, but also be aware of the student’s native language and how that can play into misunderstandings. The book is very informative and gives guidance on what to say and do in regards to teaching as well as give rubrics and other materials to help guide teachers. Definitely worthwhile read for teachers with ESL students.

[Alida Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for teachers! Provides things you can do immediately in the classroom to help provide effective literacy instruction to English language learners. Easy read with questions to reflect on at the end of each chapter and an appendix of literacy apps geared towards suggested English language proficiency levels.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well the content is excellent, the book reads a little disjointed since it is composed of many authors, each chapter with a different voice, which affects the overall cohesion of the text. However the content within the book is definitely worthwhile and helpful for any teacher who has multilingual students.

[Sarah Esh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive text and well-supported by research. I studied this for a professional development course and walked away with practical strategies that I can use in my work. It is best for elementary teachers and reading specialists, as some elements are not taught at the high school level, but otherwise it is very useful.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good for language teachers. It mentions Spanish speakers learning English throughout the book, but I’m applying it to English speakers in French immersion. It’s still very relevant for my students.

[Stephanie Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only critique was that it focuses a lot on Spanish speakers and students that are literate in their first language. EL students are not always literate in their first language which makes it doubly difficult to follow some of the suggestions.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful text for evidence-based instruction for teaching English learners!

[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. While it will help me, it is hard justifying a book that reads like 10 long research papers put together. I did gain helpful information though.

[Carrie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great teaching practices with plenty of research included.