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Title: A Formative Experiment Investigating Literacy Engagement Among Adolescent Latina/o Students Just Beginning to Read, Write, and Speak English.
Authors: Gay Ivey and Karen Broaddus
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Item ID: 0203
Document Type: ART; RES-EX [Journal article; experimental research]
Availability: Reading Research Quarterly, 42(4) pp512–545
Date: 2007
Population Type: Adolescent Latino/Latina students
Useful To: Teachers
Review URL:
Abstract: The overarching pedagogical goal of this formative experiment was to facilitate engaged reading and writing in a language arts classroom of adolescent native Spanish speakers who were assigned to a team composed solely of second-language learners for the entire school year. Fourteen students participated in the study. The intervention emphasized (a) self-selected reading and (b) whole-class and small-group teacher-directed reading and writing on high-interest topics. Initial assessments of literacy and the use of accessible and culturally diverse reading materials were keys to the instruction. Modifications to the intervention for the whole class are explained and highlighted through the experiences of students. The results and discussion address the challenges of assessing literacy among second-language learners and the importance of teacher expertise.