We examined the progress of kindergarteners who entered the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in 2008-09 and in 2010-11 who were identified as limited in English proficiency (LEP). For the 2008-09 cohort, English proficiency increased steadily over time. Few were able to exit LEP status in their first three years in WCPSS (10.5%); this…

This is a research brief of a longer report, also published as "Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language Summary Report, 2009-2010". Twenty-nine percent of students enrolled in Austin Independent School District were English language learners in 2009-2010. The majority of them (62%) continued to make progress in English…

Discusses the use of cooperative experiential learning as a method to help non-English speakers improve their English communication skills. Cites such factors as the necessity for cooperation and communication among students, the motivational character of natural conversation, and the "mainstreaming" of the limited English speaker. (PGD)

Describes Total Physical Response, a teaching technique that teachers of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) use to instruct students who are in the process of learning a second language and modifications that can be made to the program to teach students with visual impairments. (CR)

This curriculum guide provides materials for teachers who work with the limited English proficient (LEP) population. Sections I, II, and III include an introduction, the mission statement, and philosophy statement. Section IV presents characteristics of various LEP students. Section V is a guide for effective teaching of English as a second…

Presents the findings from research studies regarding the effectiveness and validity of various assessment accommodations for English Language Learners (ELLs) including: modifying English exams, providing glossaries and dictionaries, and allowing extra time. Based on the research findings, provides eight recommendations to policy makers and…

The concept of equal educational opportunity is examined as it applies to recent Asian immigrants who are university students. It is proposed that recent immigrants, especially refugees, are deprived of equal education due to life circumstances and inadequate academic preparation. As such, many of them cannot be expected to compete with other U.S.…

Since 1965, Amish children in Buchanan County, Iowa have been exempted from state requirements to attend centralized schools and, instead, are taught in small rural schools with a traditional curriculum through grade 8. More recent federal laws mandate provision of special services to limited-English-proficient (LEP) students in this group. Some…

This glossary defines terms commonly used in second language education, including the subfields of foreign language education, bilingual education, and English as a second language. Its purpose is to minimize confusion about the use of the terms. The terms include: language/linguistic majority student; language/linguistic minority student; limited…

Reviews integrated language and content instruction or content-centered language learning in the United States. The background, rationale, program models, instructional strategies and techniques, and issues related to this type of language instruction are provided. An annotated bibliography is included. (61 references) (LET)

This paper outlines the New York State School Boards Association's position on the New York Board of Regents' policy concerning international studies and second language instruction in New York public schools. It contains a summary of association policy recommendations concerning internationalism and languages in the curriculum, staffing,…

Distinctions are made between foreign language (FL) and second language (SL) teaching and learning. It is suggested that several major issues emerging in FL and SL education in the United States must be considered before substantive improvements can be made in the FL or SL competence of both native English speakers and those whose native language…

Describes an English as a second language (ESL) instructional model that links ESL courses with content courses to better integrate the reading, writing, and study skills required for academic success in the university setting. Results of students' evaluations of the program and follow-up on participants are discussed. (Author/CB)

The Austin (Texas) Independent School District (AISD) has long received federal grant funds under Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to supplement its regular bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs. In 1990-91, AISD was awarded a 3-year grant to serve a population of limited-English-proficient (LEP) high…

This report describes two out-of-class techniques used to promote communicative competence among community college students of English as a second language (ESL). Dialogue journals provide regular written communication between language students and their instructors. The journals can be used for validating, encouraging, and reinforcing students'…