SolteroIntro

=Introduction: Challenges and Opportunities= __Schoolwide Approaches to Educating ELLs__ by Sonia W. Soltero

In her introduction, Dr. Soltero begins with a "Call to Action". She presents compelling statistics about the urgency of addressing the academic needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) due to the changing demographics in this country. She gives background information about second language acquisition. She explains Cummins' Language Quadrants: . Source: []

These quadrants help describe Cummins' concepts of BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) or social language vs. CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) or academic language. She also introduces nine second language myths which she will explore in more depth in Chapter 1.

Here are some of the big ideas in the Introduction: Go to-->
 * There are internal and external factors that influence language acquisition
 * Proficiency in more than one language benefits both the individual and society
 * Social and academic language skills are necessary for ELLs to be successful.
 * There's an emotional bond between language and personal identity.
 * We need to increase competency among teachers and administrators in bilingual education.
 * The myths regarding second language acquisition need to be debunked.
 * ELL students continue to need support even after learning to speak fluently.
 * The importance of cognitively demanding context embedded instruction
 * Social attitudes of ELL learning don't match with the studies of the length of time required for true proficiency.
 * Educators must consider each individual ELL student's social, political and cultural circumstances.
 * How L1 and cultural background is perceived by the general population will affect how the ELL student learns English
 * Chapter 1 - Critical Issues in Second Language Acquisition
 * Chapter 2 - School Structures: Schoolwide Response for ELL Education
 * Chapter 3 - Programmatic and Curricular Design
 * Chapter 4 - Principles of Effective Teaching and Learning for ELLs
 * Chapter 5 - Leadership, Advocacy, and Advocacy
 * Conclusion: Challenges and Opportunities to Achieve a Promising Future for ELLs