In the spirit of Continuous Learning, here is a curated collection of what we've been reading recently. As always, we encourage you to join our growing ELL Community, and share these articles on social media using the hashtag #ELLReads.

Since publishing our last edition on March 7, we have been focused on designing new ways to get valuable information into the hands of diverse ELL stakeholders. Stay tuned for the debut of our new podcast where we will talk with experts about issues that matter most to the ELL Community. Coming soon!

Policy and Practice

• Austin's Community Impact Newspaper reports on superintendents from Austin, TX, El Paso, TX, and Orange County, FL who came together in a SXSW panel to discuss the success of Dual Language programs for native and non-native English speakers.

• Community Impact Newspaper also reports on strategies to help solve the bilingual teacher shortage affecting communities in Texas and across the country.

• New America's Janie T. Carnock published the first installment of a 5 part series on Dual Language Learner data gaps and the importance of high quality early childhood education for this demographic.

• In an opinion piece from The Hill, Martha G. Abbott discusses the America's Languages report, which outlines five recommendations "to integrate valuing languages into the fabric of U.S. society".

• From The 74, New America Senior Researcher and ELL Community contributor Conor Williams interviews author Helen Thorpe about her book The Newcomers and her experience with refugee students while embedded in a Denver classroom.

Teaching and Learning

• In Language Magazine, Assistant Superintendent and leading UDL expert Katie Novak outlines why Universal Design for Learning (UDL) matters for English Language Learners.

• From The Hechinger Report, Danielle Martin writes about reading strategies that help break down equity barriers in high school, and they are simpler than you might think.

• TESOL is releasing "The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Language Learners". Among other recommendations, TESOL advises ELL educators engage and collaborate within a community of practice.

• From the New York Times Lesson Plans section, Larry Ferlazzo discusses improving active listening skills through authentic resources from the newspaper.

• In an article from Edutopia, Carly Berwick highlights her findings from interviewing educators working in successful ELL programs in San Francisco, New York City, and New Jersey.

ELL Spotlight

• Ellevation partner Fort Wayne Community Schools received the first ever Title III Distinguished Indiana School District Award for demonstrating a commitment to ELL success. Congratulations!

• In Alabama, Decatur City Schools is addressing gaps in reading progress by hiring retired teachers to help English Language Learners learn in small group settings.

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

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