Many of us in the ELL Community are reconnecting with news and events after enjoying some well deserved rest and relaxation with friends and family. As always, we have you covered with news and resources to keep you informed and inspired.

In this edition of What We're Reading - interpreting and sharing ELL data, dual language challenges, education for refugees, and more.

To get this news delivered to your inbox every other week, join the ELL Community. Share the articles below with your Professional Learning Network using the hashtag #ELLReads!

Teaching and Learning

• On Highest Aspirations, we discuss project based learning for ELLs with Donna M. Neary, one of the creators of the Accelerate to Graduate (A2G) program in Jefferson County Public Schools, KY.

• Edsurge's Jenny Abamu highlights the challenges some Spanish-speaking parents have in learning how well schools are serving their children and provides examples of how to overcome them.

• From Edutopia, Life LeGeros discusses the many benefits of involving students in professional learning conferences. Much of the information here is particularly relevant for ELLs.

• The Huffington Post offers a lighthearted piece showcasing 35 confusing things about the English language from the non-native speakers who are learning it.

• While not directly related to K-12 ELL students in the US, this article from Forbes discusses the promise of mobile learning for refugees on the Greek island of Lesvos that could be applied anywhere.

Policy and Practice

• From The Washington Post, Perry Stein explores whether dual language programs in urban schools are a sign of gentrification. For more on this topic, check out our podcast episode on dual language programs with Conor Williams.

• Librarians at Education Northwest recently compiled a useful list of recent studies and articles on ELL related teaching practices and programs and protocols to help students succeed. 

• The Journal's Dian Schaffhauser provides resources on how to work with ELL data so all parties can understand it, a particularly important topic with new ESSA regulations.

• Education Week's, Corey Mitchell released a blog post titled, "29% of Children in Public Pre-K are English Language Learners. Are Schools Meeting They're needs". 

• In an article featured in The 74, Mark Keierleber discusses how child immigrants in federal custody are entitled to an education and how it works.

ELL Spotlight

• In a piece published in The 74, Conor Williams profiles Clarkston, Georgia, a welcoming community outside of Atlanta that has been called "one of the country's most diverse square miles".

• This piece in PBS News Hour tells the story of a Rohingya refugee who must make difficult choices about supporting his family or getting a quality education.

What are you reading? Leave a comment below and share on social media using the hashtag #ELLReads!

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