Language Diversity and Our Schools
Language needs in our schools are changing dramatically. Today, one in seven students speak a language other than English at home (Myer, Madden, & McGrath, 2004). Immigrants constitute the fastest growing group of students in U.S. schools. Many demographers predict that by 2025, approximately 20-25% of students enrolled in elementary and secondary schools will have limited English proficiency (Suarez-Orozco, Suarez-Orozco, & Todorova, 2008). In addition, African Americans and indigenous groups such as American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians who speak numerous varieties of English also contribute to the linguistic diversity facing classroom teachers.
By understanding the basics of language structure and how it relates to literacy development and language use in educational settings, teachers can be prepared to handle these linguistic challenges and make better academic decisions for all students.
By understanding the basics of language structure and how it relates to literacy development and language use in educational settings, teachers can be prepared to handle these linguistic challenges and make better academic decisions for all students.
About the Author: Karen C.
I am a certified PreK-8 Elementary Educator with a Reading Specialist License. My teaching experience spans over 14 years in two large, diverse county school systems in Northern Virginia. I have worked both as a classroom teacher in grades K, 2, 3, 5, and 8 and as a school-wide reading specialist. Given the increasing language needs of today's students, I am currently completing an additional license endorsement in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) from the University of Virginia. My journey into the field of ESOL has brought an awareness of the importance of English linguistic education for all teachers. Therefore, this website was created to provide teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs) with a basic understanding of linguistic principles incorporated with practical applications for classroom use.