The ELL Writer: Moving Beyond Basics in the Secondary Classroom

“By respecting the intelligence of multilingual writers, this book helps teachers capitalize on the resources those students bring into the classroom. District secondary curriculum coordinators should make sure every teacher in every discipline has this book, and every university course about secondary teaching should require it.”

—Randy Bomer, University of Texas at Austin

This resource for secondary school ELA and ELL teachers brings together compelling insights into student experiences, current research, and strategies for building an inclusive writing curriculum.The ELL Writerexpands the current conversation on the literacy needs of adolescent English learners by focusing on their writing approaches, their texts, and their needs as student writers. Vivid portraits look at tangible moments within these students’ lives that depict not only the difficulties but also the possibilities that they bring with them into the classroom. The case studies are complemented by findings from current research studies by second-language writing specialists that will inform today’s classroom teachers.

Book Features:

• Activities, writing prompts, and teaching tips to support ELL learning in mainstream classes.


• Personal stories and voices of ELL writers, along with examples of student writing.


• A focus on teacher responses, revision strategies, and assignment design.


• Clear connections between current research, student experiences, and the classroom.

Christina Ortmeier-Hooperis an assistant professor of English at the University of New Hampshire.