What Teachers Need to Know About Language

Rising enrollments of children for whom English is not a first language mean that every teacher is a language teacher as well as a subject area teacher. This book shows what teachers need to know about language in order to be more effective in the classroom and how teacher education might help them gain that knowledge. It focuses especially on features of academic English and gives examples of the many aspects of teaching and learning in which language is a key. Research conducted since the first edition has expanded our understanding of academic language, with particular implications for teaching English learners. The new edition reflects the expanded knowledge base, derived from research on classrooms and curricula, showing the pivotal role that language plays in learning and schooling. The volume will be of particular interest to all teachers with language learners in their classroom, teacher educators, professional development specialists, administrators, principals, and all those interested in learning more about the important role played by language in helping to ensure student success in the classroom and beyond.