Language Minority Students in the Mainstream Classroom

This 2nd edition provides first-hand information on culturally and linguistically diverse students as well as instructional strategies in the content areas of reading, writing, science, social studies and maths. It provides theory and practical strategies to make content of lessons relevant and understandable to students. This is the second edition of an easily readable text that provides first-hand information on culturally and linguistically diverse students as well as instructional strategies in the content areas of reading, writing, science, social studies and maths, using simple and direct language. It provides theory and practical strategies to make content of lessons relevant and understandable to students. This new edition includes updated information on current educational programs and local and national standards for English language learners in United States. The book will be of interest to researchers, professionals, under- and postgraduate students interested in the teaching of ethnic minorities.

The purpose of this book is to make mainstream educators aware that language minority students, especially the limited English proficient (LEP), need special attention: appropriate assessment, appropriate language environment, a challenging curriculum and a creative delivery of instruction relevant to their English language development as well as their performance in subject matter, content and skills. The book emphasises that at the classroom level, modifications are needed in the content and the manner teachers organise and deliver instructions to students and the way teachers assess language content and learning. The focus in all the 12 chapters is on providing theory and practical strategies to make content relevant and understandable to these students, who may lack English language experience, background and proficiency.