The Literacy Gaps

Bridge-Building Strategies for English Language Learners and Standard English Learners

Build bridges of support so English language learners and standard English learners can learn alongside their peers!

This comprehensive, research-based guide helps teachers bridge multiple gaps and promote learning for English language learners (ELLs) and standard English learners (SELs). The authors provide strategies, examples, and tools to address:

• The gap between students and texts: covering word recognition, background knowledge, comprehension, and academic language development
• The gap between students and teachers: including sociocultural differences between teachers and students and teacher perceptions and expectations
• The gap between students and their peers: discussing language proficiency differences, grouping strategies, and grade-level and schoolwide programs