As the minority population and achievement gap in the United States continue to grow, the rapidly increasing epidemic of leaving English-language learners (ELLs) behind is one of grave concern for educators. Due to disparities between academic Discourses and ELLs' primary Discourse, a free and equal education, as claimed by the U.S. government,…

Suggests that a molar view of classroom reading instruction be employed to discover factors in the students and the system which lead to reading success and failure. The molar view also is seen to generate research hypotheses for instructional improvement. Bibliography. (RW)

Proposes that research has shown how attention to cultural mismatch may be a key to equitable school achievement. Presents a series of case study vignettes to assist practicing teachers with working with culturally and linguistically diverse at-risk students. Concludes that reading tasks must also be seen as social tasks. (PM)

Studies the social interactions of two bilingual ethnic minority children during informal work and play settings in a kindergarten program. Finds that their literacy learning is hampered by isolation, the staff's apparent lack of interest in the children's home language and culture, and the staff's unawareness of cultural biases in the testing and…