Use this! Activities & Resources

Many English learners (ELs) lack adequate time to use and practice English—especially the academic variety needed to master content areas like Math and Science—during school hours. One study reports that ELs may have less than 90 seconds of classroom talk time each day. Yet we know that oral practice is a critical part of learning a second language. As Foundations’ Senior Advisor Claudia Weisburd notes, “Research on language acquisition confirms what all language learners know from experience: practice is key…Oral skills, in turn, underlie literacy.”

Through surveys and discussions with over 5,000 teachers, the authors gathered educators’ insights, challenges, and recommendations related to working with English Learners. The teachers generally reported positive attitudes, and showed ingenuity, hard work, and persistence when working with ELs; however, most recognized constraints that prevented them from providing the type and level of supports desired.