Developed for ALL? Does that mean ESL, too?

Several things should be considered when selecting a reading program for classrooms that include ESL students. Even though I do not recommend a particular company or specific series, I do recommend the following list of considerations when investing in our students reading program of study.

Authors

Do the authors have ESL background experience?

Multicultural considerations

Home Language considerations

Teachers Guide

Does the guide give information on second language acquisition?

Language Objectives are clearly indicated for each lesson

Vocabulary is introduced in a meaningful way before, revisited during, reviewed after

Graphic organizers are used to help support comprehension

Background development activity ideas are listed

Do lessons focus on comprehension while building phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency?

Provides running record opportunities

Formative assessment provided for content and skills as well as language acquisition?

Does not consider ELL instruction as an add-on, something extra.

Differentiation supports provided

Supports and acknowledges home language importance

Writing activities

Oral language, interactive activities included

Provides across curricular opportunities or tie in 

Use sheltered instruction models

Student Text

Colorful

Picture support

Graphs and Charts

Focus on Vocabulary-academic language and content

Leveled Books/reading with age appropriate content

Different genre

Print is appropriate for grade level

Higher level thinking required

Reflective opportunities

Students can find themselves in the stories

Meaningful and interesting stories

Narrative and expository genres are included

I’m sure there are other considerations when choosing a new reading series or program and I would be very interested in hearing what others think. I know that teachers will adapt, add to, subtract from whatever is in their teacher guides based on the needs of their students but I feel it is important for the developers to give as much appropriate support as possible. Is there one particular series or program out there that includes all of these? I don't know, I haven't been in the position to look at different publisher for awhile. More research to be done...is it ever done. Nope.