Writing Instruction and Assessment for English Language Learners K-8

"The demand for this book has been loud and clear from teachers, teacher educators, researchers, school administrators, and educational policy developers. Lenski and Verbruggen focus on real-world contexts in their discussion of how to teach ELLs to write well. The instructional strategies, student activities, and assessment tools are grounded in current theory, research, and best practices. This book exemplifies dear writing and clear thinking."uPaul Boyd-Batstone, PhD, California State University, Long Beach

"Lenski and Verbruggen have tackled the subject of writing for ELLs in a way that few others have. Starting with engaging classroom vignettes that readers can relate to, the authors continue with a toolbox of practical and effective strategies that can be used immediately by teachers who are working to enhance their writing instruction. Teachers in all subject areas will find these strategies useful."uPenny Plavala, MEd, school improvement specialist, Multnomah Education Service District, Portland, Oregon

"A 'must read' for all teachers of ELLs in mainstream and ESL classrooms...The book presents step-by-step ways to implement innovative methods and activities, emphasizing the importance of carefully planning instruction and creating a culture of collaboration in a school. I found the cross-cultural information about writing very important for understanding the interaction of native language and writing development in English."-Carla Paciotto, EdD, Western Illinois University

MANY ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELLs) REQUIRE EXTRA SUPPORT TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL WRITERS. THIS book helps teachers understand the unique needs of ELLs and promote their achievement by adapting the effective instructional methods they already know. Engaging and accessible, the book features standards-based lesson planning ideas, examples of student work, and 15 reproducible worksheets, rubrics, and other useful materials. It describes ways to combine instruction in core skills with ample opportunities to write and revise in different genres. Invaluable guidance is provided for assessing ELLs' writing development at different grade levels and language proficiency levels.

Susan Lenski, EdD is Professor at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon.
Frances Verbruggen. MA, is a student in the Doctor of Education program at Portland State University.