Unlocking English Learners′ Potential

"Much may be debated about what English learners need in order to be successful in school, but while that debate continues, teachers need access to sensible and accessible assistance to teach language and content to English learners right now. This new book by Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney Snyder is the book to fill that need. In clear prose, accompanied by lively classroom examples and a series of engaging application activities, the authors target the topics of culturally responsive teaching, scaffolded instruction for oral language and reading, understanding academic language, and how to formatively assess student development in these areas. There is something here for both novice teachers and their more seasoned colleagues as Staehr Fenner and Snyder skillfully bring together the necessary ingredients to help teachers advance the language and content learning of their English learners." -- Alison L. Bailey, Professor Human Development and Psychology
"Staehr Fenner and Snyder have written a much needed and illuminating text in the field of EL education that challenges educators to re-think language pedagogy in new ways that never dichotomize theory and practice. Not only do the authors provide numerous, sound and exciting hands-on instructional recommendations but they impressively model for educators what it means to link theory to practice by anchoring their applications to a comprehensive equity and cultural wealth framework." -- Lilia I. Bartolome, Ph.D., Professor of Applied Linguistics
"There is so much to love about Unlocking English Learners’ Potential. Diane and Sydney have created a truly readable text packed with practical suggestions for all educators who teach ELs! ESOL educators will find the focus on advocacy and leadership provides them with new ideas to take their practice to the next level. Content educators will appreciate the many easy-to-incorporate strategies for developing oral language and reading within their own academic content classes. And finally, the emphasis on teacher collaboration is vital to get everyone on board with an agenda that stresses equity and excellence for our culturally and linguistically diverse learners.  This text will undoubtedly be a hit with school PLCs and teacher education programs." -- Tim Boals, WIDA Executive Director

"With so many resources available today and so little time to review them all, it becomes harder and harder for educators to know what to read and when to read it. What Diane and Sydney offer to educators of English Learners with this book is the unique opportunity to find in one resource a synthesis of the current research, examples of its impact in the classroom through authentic classroom vignettes, and a wealth of tools to get started in their own classroom.  Diane and Sydney have successfully combined their own expertise with that of colleagues and educators to bring to the field a valuable tool for professional growth and collaboration. Thank you!"

-- Mariana Castro, Director of Standards
"Continuing their advocacy for English learners to obtain an equitable education, Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney Snyder offer a remarkable framework to guide teachers to better understand the complex nature of teaching diverse students. This book not only examines why a supportive school environment matters but also offers detailed, research-informed instructional strategies applicable to every class. It is must read for all teachers of English learners!" -- Maria G. Dove, Ed.D., Associate Professor and Coordinator
"Unlocking English Learners′ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible offers a treasure trove of practical resources and ideas for all teachers - and not just those with ELLs in their classrooms." -- Larry Ferlazzo, Teacher and Author
"Staehr Fenner and Snyder masterfully unravel the intricacies of teaching and supporting English learners (ELs). Seen through a series of guiding principles within an equitable educational framework, each chapter reveals an important theme in enacting effective instructional strategies that advance EL learning. Their focus on teacher collaboration in furthering students’ language development and academic achievement provides insight into implementing their carefully delineated steps. With its many application activities, this book offers both content and language teachers a myriad of ideas for working with ELs integral to their classroom practices." -- Margo Gottlieb, Co-founder & Lead Developer, Corwin Author
"Staehr Fenner and Snyder have created a practitioner-friendly guide for educators of ELs to help create welcoming school and classroom environments, build cultural responsiveness, and increase educators′ toolboxes for serving ELs. The authors speak with experienced teacher voices and have a gift for making the complex simple through explicit explanation, classroom examples, and use of tools for instruction and assessment. This is a must-read for both pre-service educators of ELs who are seeking authentic professional learning to meet the needs of their ELs." -- Janet E. Hiatt, EL/Title III Consultant
"Unlocking English Learners′ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible not only offers a fresh perspective on approaching the education of English learners, but also provides readers with practical and comprehensive guidance on how to ensure success for ELs. I am honored to endorse this new book from leading experts Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney Snyder, who continue to demonstrate uncompromising dedication to and advocacy for ELs, while also offering ready-to-implement strategies and examples of successful practices." -- Andrea Honigsfeld, Associate Dean and Ed.D. Program Director
"In the current ESSA era, all teachers are charged with teaching both the language and content featured in standards-based instruction and assessment. This timely work, grounded in extensive EL vignettes and readily implementable examples of useful pedagogy, shines a welcome light on this topic, particularly for teachers of language, and yet who recognize the urgency to provide ELs access to the Core curriculum. This comprehensive educator tool represents a significant contribution to the field and will be a well-used desk reference by K-12 teachers." -- Stephaney Jones-Vo, English Learner/Title III Consultant
"Teachers and administrators often read books that later end up on the shelf covered in dust. Unlocking English Learners′ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible is not one of them. It is a practical pedagogical guide that helps all teachers realize their role as a teacher of English learners. Teachers will especially love how it builds their background knowledge as well as provides actual strategies that work for ELs." -- Samuel Klein, Supervisor, ESOL/HILT
"Unlocking English Learners′ Potential is a powerful and valuable guide for deepening all educators’ understandings, practices, and beliefs that contribute to the success of English Language Learners. Fenner and Snyder provide a framework for educating ELLs explained with practical tools, helpful examples, scenarios and activities that promote the implementation of best practices with this population of students. A must-have for schools looking to establish a shared school-wide responsibility for educating ELLs." -- Jacqueline LeRoy, Director of ENL, World Languages and Bilingual Education

"For anyone needing a blueprint for how to successfully work with and instruct English language learners, Unlocking English Learners′ Potential is a one-stop-shop. This book is a beacon of light for schools and practitioners that are new to ELLs and want to implement exemplary practices."

-- Giselle Lundy-Ponce, ELL Policy Expert
"Drs. Staehr Fenner and Snyder compile an impressive number of instructional strategies that work for emerging bilingual students. With clarity and relevant examples, strategies are brought to life for both practitioners and administrators. A very timely work that will help with the education of the fastest growing population in our schools." -- David Nieto, Executive Director