Embrace the future by ensuring English Learners have a voice in school.
English Learners (ELs) are the fastest-growing segment of the K–12 population. But ELs and their families—who are in the process of learning English and navigating an often-unfamiliar education system—may not have a powerful enough voice to articulate their needs. Consequently, all teachers and administrators must advocate for this all-important diverse group of students who will become tomorrow’s workforce. This book demystifies the techniques of advocacy for ELs, including:
- A shared sense of responsibility for EL success —Providing tools that every educator can use to ensure that ELs are effectively served.
- An overview for administrators —Influencing policy and fostering a culture that meets EL needs
- Advocacy for ELs’ success beyond Grade 12 —Equipping ELs for life after graduation, from higher education to career decisions
ELs will continue to grow in number, and leaving them and their families voiceless is simply not an option. No educator can miss this essential book.
Reviews
“In many ways, the history of American Education is the history of a quest for equality. Dr. Staehr Fenner lends a human face to the experience of English Learners and encourages us to think in terms of what attributes ELs bring to their learning experience and how others can benefit from their presence in the classroom. This book is a promising, uplifting, and much-needed call for action!”
–Rosa Aronson, Former Executive Director
TESOL International Association, Alexandria, VA
“This book is a major contribution to the field in that it offers concrete actions administrators, teachers and parents can take to ensure best practices in schools for ELs. Diane Staehr Fenner demonstrates her extensive school-based experience by providing a highly practical handbook filled with useful models, tools, and professional development activities, all of which are well grounded in an assets-based and shared responsibility theoretical framework. This volume will meaningfully advance program quality, assessment and instructional practices, and family engagement through well-formulated advocacy initiatives as demanded by current EL teacher education standards. A welcome addition to all who care about the education of ELs PreK-12 and beyond!”
–Nancy Cloud, Director, M.Ed. in TESL Program
Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, Rhode Island College
“This book makes a very important contribution to the field by highlighting the importance of advocacy and, through its numerous examples of advocacy in action, showing how to achieve equitable and excellent education for ELs.”
–Diane August, Principal
D. August and Associates
