This brief presents two articles. The first discusses ways that schools are working to strengthen language learning for English language learners (ELLs), noting that as the population of ELLs is growing, school districts are scrambling for resources and trying to find the best ways to place and educate such students. Despite limited resources, districts are encouraging English-as-a-Second-Language teachers to work with general educators to help them modify their content instruction and materials to better meet student needs in diverse classrooms. The brief discusses how to reduce anxiety among ELLs, how to recognize the difference between students with language difficulties and students with disabilities, and how to help ELLs through two-way immersion programs. Two sidebars discuss how ELLs will perform on high stakes tests in the wake of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and offer tips for assisting language learners. The second article describes how family literacy programs can help students and parents achieve, focusing on one program that provides a community-based service for families designed to support children’s learning. Though parents and children have separate lessons, they also participate in shared activities to practice their language skills together. (SM) (ERIC No. ED471636)
