View Content #24891

Ruslana Westerlund and Kristina Robertson debunk eight commonly-held beliefs about English learners in this article: http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/eight-english-learner-myths-administrators

Here are the eight "myths":

• Myth 1: Using a push-in model will guarantee an increase in collaboration and opportunities for success for ELs.
• Myth 2: Sheltered Instruction is Forever!
• Myth 3: EL funding is limited to federal and state LEP dollars.
• Myth 4: Translating materials is adequate for communicating to EL families.
• Myth 5: ESL Teaching is Just Good Teaching.
• Myth 6: EL language development is the responsibility of the EL teacher.
• Myth 7: ELs no longer need language support once they meet language program exit criteria.
• Myth 8: ELs automatically means “struggling students” and therefore, ELs cannot be successful in gifted and talented programs or advanced coursework due to their “limited” English language skills.