Struggling older English learners pose a real challenge for educators. Some of these students are new arrivals
with limited or interrupted schooling. Others have been in and out of ESL and bilingual programs in this country
since kindergarten, but have never succeeded academically. How can teachers help older students who lack academic
content knowledge and English language proficiency catch up with their classmates? Yvonne and David Freeman provide
four research-based keys for closing the achievement gap.
Three teachers have put this theory into practice to reach their older English learners. These teachers organize
curriculum around themes, use predictable classroom routines, and scaffold instruction in a variety of ways. The
clear examples from their classes will help other teachers implement effective practices for their older English
learners.
Closing the Achievement Gap features:
The four keys for school success for older English learners
Clear distinctions among the types of older English learners in our schools with examples of students from
each category
A thorough discussion of the kinds of language proficiency older English learners need
A review of the latest research on effective practices for older English learners
Detailed descriptions from the classrooms of three teachers, including thematic units they have developed,
their daily routines, and the strategies they use to scaffold instruction
professional extension activities to help readers apply the information in this book to their own educational
settings.
For teachers and teacher educators, program directors, resource personnel, and administrators, this book offers
both the research and practice schools need to develop effective programs to educate struggling older English learners.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Older Struggling English Learners
p. 1
What Older English Learners Need
p. 22
Research on Effective Practices for Older English Learners
p. 48
Using Themes to Develop Academic Language and Content Knowledge
p. 70
Using Routines and Strategies to Scaffold Instruction
p. 100
Using the Four Keys to Close the Achievement Gap
p. 132
References
p. 153
Index
p. 161
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