Preventing Long-Term ELs: Transforming Schools to Meet Core Standards

This very readable book is an excellent introduction to English Learners, the obstacles they face at school, and research-based instructional approaches to help these students succeed. The authors explore the strengths/weaknesses of various ESL programs; identify ten features of school improvement to support ELs; and offer specific strategies for both language and content-area instruction. While some of the suggestions — using cognates to teach vocabulary or incorporating cooperative learning into lessons — will be familiar to those with a basic knowledge of EL instruction, the number of strategies offered, along with the detailed instructions for classroom implementation and discussion questions in every chapter, make this title a good choice for professional development.