In this week's edition of What We're Reading - four inspiring stories of schools and teachers that are making an impact in the lives of refugee and newcomer students. Also, maintaining home language, forging community partnerships, and achieving school diversity by design.

Join the ELL Community and share the articles below using the hashtag #ELLReads!

ELL Spotlight

• From The Guardian, a 17 year old Syrian boy published a book about his experience as a refugee with the help of his Canadian teacher. The book is called Homes: A Refugee Story - you can order it here. 

• The Washington Post profiles Nebraska's Lincoln High as a school that builds on students' unique backgrounds and experiences "to deliver an educational program focused on living, learning, and working in a diverse society".

• Edsource reports on Oakland International High School in California, which has become a full service model for serving newcomer students.

• Crosscut spotlights Seattle World School, where immigrant and refugee students have access to the education and services they need to succeed.

• In Boston, almost half of the high school students honored during the annual Valedictorian Luncheon were born outside of the US - and they are on their way to doing great things.

Policy and Practice

• Education Week's Corey Mitchell reports on pushback from Congress concerning the DeVos plan to eliminate the federal office of language acquisition.

• There is more evidence from The Hechinger Report that speaking children's home language in early education programs provides long-term advantages.

• WTTW Chicago reports that CPS has added a new position titled "Chief Equity Officer" to "boost district diversity and close the opportunity gap". Is this a position that will become more common?

• In Delaware, Governor Carney has signed an executive order establishing an advisory council to help monitor and implement the state's English Learner Strategic Plan. 

Teaching and Learning

• School News Network profiles the impact of one-to-one community tutors on ELL reading and social skills in Kelloggsville, MI. 

• The 74 profiles four charter schools that have made diversity a foundation of their school design.

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

Want this newsletter delivered directly to your inbox? Click on the link below to join the ELL Community.