ELL News Headlines

Inequities in science and math achievement begin as soon as students enter school, a new study shows—a finding that suggests schools should be providing earlier support and encouragement for students of color in STEM fields, the researchers say.

Many immigrants travel to new lands in hopes of a better life, but once they arrive they often feel small.

When we think about culturally relevant librarianship, we have to consider that librarianship is in essence the curation, preservation, and dissemination of information and story. We must also remember that historically, information and stories have been the record of those who considered themselves to be the winners, the conquerors in societies the world over. (Excerpted from “Liven Up Your Library: Design Engaging and Inclusive Programs for Tweens and Teens” by Julia Torres and Valerie Tagoe)

One of my most favorite formats in the world of children’s literature is the picture book. Picture books are wonderful for many reasons, including their beautiful illustrations, succinct and powerful storytelling, and overall versatility in the classroom.

A succession of significant storms downed trees and overflowed waterways, causing the closure of hundreds of California schools Monday, postponing the return to school from winter break for many students and sending others home midday. 

Public schools across the U.S. have found that around one million children are experiencing homelessness, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Not all those students, however, live in homeless shelters or are on the streets — most of them are “doubled-up,” a term used to describe children and youth ages 21 and under living in shared housing, such as with another family or friends, due to various crises.

As more schools see a need to focus on student mental health, districts are hiring new mental health professionals to help. But what do these various positions involve, how do they work together, and how can they help students? 

Students could see increased academic growth in reading and language skills if parents, teachers and community members pick up the strategies detailed in a newly published book by two Lancaster County educators. “Bolstering Vocabulary with Teacher Talk in the Classroom,” published Dec. 30, 2022, by Routledge, offers strategies for building vocabulary in elementary English language learners.

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global is excited to partner with the Indiana Teachers of English Language Learners (I-TELL) Project to provide a pathway for English Language Learners Licensure in the state of Indiana. Through a grant from I-Tell, current teachers can use I-TELL scholarships to English Language Learners Licensure at IWU for free. This partnership will eliminate the financial burden of ELL Licensure for Indiana teachers and help respond to the high demand for ELL teachers across the state.

Older immigrants to the region, including those without English skills and a formal education, will benefit from development of a new curriculum for a program that will be housed in the long-running English as a Second Language Center at the Jones Library.