Practical Guidelines for the Education of English Language Learners: Research-Based Recommendations for Serving Adolescent Newcomers
Meeting the complex needs of newcomer adolescent students is not simple and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. This report describes the research on newcomer programs and provides evidence-based recommendations for addressing the challenges of program implementation. The authors provide information about effective instruction for adolescent newcomers by presenting a conceptual framework and evidence-based recommendations for instructional elements such as literacy, content area learning, academic language, and writing. The report also addresses the organizational elements of program implementation that schools and districts should take into consideration, including assessment and placement, grouping, instructional time, coordinated efforts, and targeted resources.
This resource is a high-quality summary of recommendations meant for districts, schools, and teachers seeking to provide effective programs for adolescent newcomers. The information is communicated with limited jargon and is organized in an easy-to-follow format. This resource provides information on a very relevant topic, and fits with ESSA’s focus on use of evidence-based programs for supporting students. This report is useful for educators and program coordinators who wish to consider the key instructional and programmatic elements of a newcomer program at the secondary level before or during program development.