The social nature of language learning and development has been widely acknowledged, as has the importance of family relationships in language learning processes. The role that the first language plays in the literacy development of English language learners (ELLs) and their families is irrefutable. Advocates of family literacy programs have…

The academic achievement of limited-English-speaking (LEP) students has long been a major national educational concern. This digest focuses on: (1) factors that promote or inhibit academic achievement in a second language; (2) the length of time needed for LEP students to achieve at comparable levels in school with their native English-speaking…

Guidelines and suggestions for administering programs of English as a second language or dialect (ESL/D) address a variety of issues. The first section outlines the rationale and philosophy behind the materials, including definitions of an ESL student and program, definitions of a second dialect student and program, and philosophy, goals, and…