Myths and Realities: Best Practices for English Language Learners (Second Edition) » (2nd Edition)

Katharine Davies Samway is Professor of Education at San Jose State University, where she teaches courses in reading/language arts, assessment, writing, and multicultural literature for children and young adults. Her research focuses on the literacy development of English language learners (particularly their writing development and processes), and influences on teachers' beliefs and practices. Her previous books with Heinemann include Myths and Realities (1999) and Buddy Reading (1995). She also cowrote Literature Study Circles in a Multicultural Classroom (1996).

Denise McKeon is Senior Professional Associate at the National Education Association. Previously, McKeon served as Director of Outreach for the American Educational Research Association.

A lot has changed since the first edition of Myths and Realities, yet the trends in education are as undeniable as they were then: English language learners (ELLs) constitute the fastest growing population in U.S. schools and their teachers face an increasingly challenging educational context. For teachers and other educators, acquiring the understanding and skills to help ELLs succeed academically is more urgent than ever.

That s why Katharine Davies Samway and Denise McKeon have returned to update the myths they challenged in the first edition of Myths and Realities, address new ones that have arisen since, and discuss how teachers of ELLs can ensure that their students will fare well in the era of No Child Left Behind. Written for any teacher or education professional, Myths and Realities, Second Edition, is an invaluable resource for clarifying persistent misunderstandings about what second language learners can do, what they need, and what methods work best for them.

In an easy-to-read format Samway and McKeon state often-heard myths about ELLs and then address the reality. They follow up with support for the reality they describe, citing the most recent and most pertinent research, outlining implications for instruction, and illustrating it all with vignettes drawn from real classrooms. Myths and Realites, Second Edition,helps you replace misinformation about ELLs with crucial knowledge important to everyone working with second language learners, including information on:

• second language acquisition
• assessment, programming, and placement
• staffing and staff development
• involving parents and the community
• literacy development and teaching.

Myths and Realities, Second Edition includes a glossary that defines the field s changing and often-confusing acronyms and terms as well as an annotated list of helpful resources, featuring the latest and most informative websites for understanding and working with ELLs.

Don t let confusion and misunderstandings about English language learners keep you from helping your students succeed. Read Myths and Realities, Second Edition, and get the most up-to-date information about just how capable nonnative speakers are and how many of the skills and practices you already use can help them become successful and proficient speakers, readers, and writers of English.