This book is a resource every school leader must read right away-for that matter, keep within arm's reach because you're certain to refer to it constantly. The author, a former U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, has been there, done that
and is now prepared to share with you how best to translate today's federal mandates into actionable steps for ensuring the civil rights of our nation's multilingual learners. Because it is impossible to provide specific advice or guidance for every possible situation, she focuses on the need to knows
for making informed decisions within your own building: eight questions you must ask-and how to obtain answers-before planning English language development services; the most common EL program models, with special emphasis on scheduling, along with specific challenges and appropriate staffing; the why and how of evaluating English language education, regardless of the evaluation tool, and ways to facilitate conversations with teachers before and after observation; how to determine the type of professional learning that will have the greatest impact in your unique context; recommendations for establishing productive relationships with linguistically diverse families and communities; and just about every tool you could possibly need, including a glossary of acronyms, useful advocacy organizations, and templates for supporting professional learning. But what you'll love most is the way the author keeps it real.
Every chapter is framed around a What Would You Do?
scenario, for which she ultimately provides an answer(s) as well as guiding questions to help you think through the issues. Take a look for yourself. We know you'll agree that this book is without question a one-of-a-kind resource.