In the spirit of Continuous Learning, we are proud to offer this bi-weekly newsletter of curated articles that directly impact our work with English Language Learners. We hope you find this resource useful as you continue your work of supporting our students around the country. 

Since publishing our last edition on March 21, we have been busy preparing for the release of the first two episodes of Highest Aspirations, our new podcast. You can listen and subscribe now by clicking here. We hope this new resource provides you with another way to learn about the issues that matter most to English Language Learners and the educators who serve them.

Policy and Practice​

• PBS News Hour explores what the US could learn from Canada about integrating immigrant students. Celebrating home cultures and providing strong social services are key elements to their success.

• Education Week's Corey Mitchell summarizes a report by the Migration Policy Institute which, among other suggestions, emphasizes the belief that bilingualism is an asset.

• Language Magazine also covered the Migration Policy Institute's report, highlighting the need for strategies that work with the "superdiversity" many schools are experiencing in early grades.

• The Arizona Daily Star reports that lawmakers are considering alternatives for ELLs that would allow for dual language programs after years of a strict English-only policy.

• Education Week has released "ESSA on the Runway", a special report that takes a deep dive into how well prepared states, districts, and schools are for implementation in the 2018-2019 academic year. 

• Language Magazine reports on a California bill that could help fund Dual Language Immersion programs in the state.

• Ellevation Education has released the first two episodes of "Highest Aspirations", an education podcast that focuses on maximizing impact on English Language Learners.

Teaching and Learning

• David Wallace of The New Yorker interviews writer Sam Allingham about the "strangeness" of learning a new language. Allingham's short story "The Intermediate Class" appeared in The New Yorker this week.

• The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the city's English Language Learners are now able to enroll in advanced civics classes which allow them to take part in "Capitol Experience Day" to observe state government in action.

• There is more news this week about ELLs with disabilities from Education Week's Corey Mitchell who reports on a Lehigh University study we highlighted in our last issue.

• Pacific Standard reports on Alaska Department of Education's push to promote native language learning, while also supporting improvement in English proficiency.

• Illinois State University is hosting TELL (Tales of English Language Learners) which "displays the journeys of students through their stories, cultural traditions, challenges, and dreams for the future." The exhibit runs from April 6 - May 14th on Floor 2 of the Milner library.

ELL Spotlight

• The Tribune Media Wire reports that Ellevation partner district Newport News Schools, VA is a grand prize winner in the National School Board Association's 2018 Magna Awards for educating English Language Learners. 

• Congratulations to Evelyn Bushart from Ellevation partner district Harlandale ISD for winning the EXCEL Award for her work with Dual Language Learners.

• District Administration reports on an expanded ESL initiative that provides a "cradle to career" approach for English Language Learners in Piscataway Township Schools, NJ.

• The 74 shares the story of an Ohio elementary school that went to great lengths to celebrate custodian Jimmy Grajdianu's US citizenship.

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