Mastering English can be wonderfully rewarding for non-native speakers. Bilingualism dramatically expands life opportunities as it strengthens memory, abstract thinking, and other executive functions. But for young English learners (ELs), the road to mastery can be so rocky that they lose motivation. How can schools help ELs stay engaged?

Get the essentials for choosing a dual language program

The task of choosing a dual language learning program — or enhancing your current program — can feel overwhelming. After all, your choice could profoundly shape students’ progress and teachers’ work satisfaction! To help district leaders choose wisely, use this checklist to plan and implement a student-centered dual language program that helps students reach their full potential. 

Support dual language learners in the classroom

Last week we explored the three pillars of second-language learning, and we want to continue our conversation on ways to better support dual language learners. Educators can use this list of easy strategies they can implement immediately to promote literacy proficiency.

Explore the three pillars of second-language learning

Dual language learners are often underserved in terms of literacy support at school. Sometimes educators overlook their struggles, mistaking conversational fluency for academic language proficiency. More often though, teachers simply lack the resources to adequately differentiate instruction. This shortcoming in literacy education can have long-term consequences for students’ personal, social, and economic development.

How can schools do better? Here we summarize the classic pillars of second-language education in order to help educators better support dual language learners.

Join Istation's Exclusive Community to Get Better Student Outcomes

Why are communities so important?

Istation has been asking educators for their feedback and listening to those in the field to shape the launch of our new online community, the Red Cape Community. We want to make sure our exclusive group honors what you are doing every day to make your students successful.

How many are affected by dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning condition that causes difficulties in reading, writing, spelling, and other language-related skills. It is a neurobiological condition that affects nearly 20% of the entire population (1 in 5 students), and at least half of all students who qualify for special education services.