Challenges and Instructional Approaches Impacting the Literacy Performance of English Language Learners

For English Language Learners (ELLs), the process of becoming literate in English is daunting. Not only are these students faced with the same literacy challenges faced by native English-speaking students, but they are also challenged with extensive diversity issues relating to substantial differences in linguistic, cultural, and academic background experiences. This paper reviews the challenges faced by ELLs in learning to read in English. Subsequently the paper discusses the major instructional approaches designed to improve the literacy skill levels of these individuals.