Teachers often tend to discuss their English language learners (ELLs) in terms of "level." Writes the author, "But if I were to say to a teacher, 'You have four level 2s in your class,' how does that help us have a common understanding of the students' needs?" One approach that has great potential to increase students' language…

The research on beginning reading instruction for English language learners that provides several useful guidelines for policy and practice is presented. Research suggests that bilingual programs usually improve the English reading performances of English language learners.