A growing population of English Language Learners (ELLs) is U.S.-born, a phenomenon that raises new questions for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This paper proposes the need for an improved understanding of how the research literature on heritage language speakers can inform ESL education. (Contains 1 figure and 5 notes.)

A small working panel of scholars met to determine the major research issues and gaps in heritage language education. General research issues identified include data collection, stakeholder involvement, contextual considerations, underlying attitudes and motivations, and assessment. Specific research questions were organized into seven main areas:…