Preparing Every Teacher for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students in an Era of Higher Academic Standards

Presentation by Dr. Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro, Research and Policy Associate Latino Policy Forum and Dr. Luisiana Melendez, Clinical Assistant Professor, Erikson Institute, as part of the Gateways to Opportunity Higher Education Forum, April 10, 2015
This session reviews the changing student demographics in Illinois and the growth of linguistically and culturally diverse students. It then reviews a samplling of the types of language and literacy demands within the new standards and what they entail for students on their way to learning English. Finally, the imperative role linguistically and culturally responsive early childhood educators can have in getting every student ready for kindergaten success and beyond is discussed.