ESL thesis

I'm developing my undergrad thesis and I bring interesting things here to stay. Broadly, i'm interested in the intersections between language, the public school system, immigrant communities, power, and culture. The policy and practice of English as a Second Language curricula have caught my eye as the niftiest place to explore these things.

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A growing spate of evidence from around the country suggests that the most egregious practices in Atlanta—teachers purposefully seating struggling kids next to high-performing ones to encourage cheating on tests; educators gathering at after-school "erasure parties" to correct multiple-choice answer sheets—are part of a national, and indeed a historic trend, one that is bolstered by No Child Left Behind's emphasis on pressuring educators to produce spectacular test results. ... Houston's superintendent, Rod Paige, gained fame as the force behind the "Texas Miracle," a period of rapidly rising test scores and high school graduation rates. Paige offered teachers and principals merit pay attached to such metrics. In 2003, it was discovered that widespread cheating had taken place throughout the city, with failing students encouraged to stay home on test days. In 1999 in New York City, 32 schools, dozens of teachers, and two principals were embroiled in a similar scandal. Paige, meanwhile, went on to become George W. Bush's first education secretary, and one of the architects of No Child Left Behind. ... shenanigans have been incentivized by federal and state education policies, which more and more reward teachers and schools for producing high test scores—not knowledgeable, well-adjusted children. ... When laws incentivize bad behavior, it's a good time to reconsider public policy, not to double down on it. In a way, Arne Duncan and the New York Times are right: The problem isn't the tests. But the problem is the carrots and sticks tied to them, which put too much emphasis on judging teachers and schools, and not enough on offering kids better instruction.

http://www.slate.com/id/2299709/pagenum/all/

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Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language (Languages in Social Life) [Paperback] Norman Fairclough Product Description This book brings together work on critical discourse analysis to explore language in power and ideology. Divided into four sections, the first examines the development of an analytical framework for researching language in relation to power and ideology. The second section deals with the theme of discourse and contemporary social and cultural change, and the use of a critical discourse analysis analysis frmaework in the studyof change. Chapters in the third section address discourse analysis based outside language studies, arguing for the use of textual analysis in discourse analysis as a method of social research. The final section is concerned with critical language awareness, educational applications of critical discourse analysis within language programmes in schools and educational institutions. From the Back Cover Bringing together papers written by Norman Fairclough over a 25 year period, Critical Discourse Analysis represents a comprehensive and important contribution to the development of this popular field. The book is divided into seven sections covering the following themes: language in relation to ideology and power discourse in processes of social and cultural change dialectics of discourse, dialectical relations between discourse and other moments of social life methodology of critical discourse analysis research analysis of political discourse discourse in globalisation and ‘transition’ critical language awareness in education The new edition has been extensively revised and enlarged to include a total of twenty two papers. It will be of value to researchers in the subject and should prove essential reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in Linguistics and other areas of social science. This book paves the way for a more socially-oriented and emancipatory discourse analysis, and linguistics in general. By incorporating analyses of discourse and social practices in language studies, Norman Fairclough succeeds in advancing the idea of language as a site of constant and dynamic struggles of people in society. This book shows us: first, how language both shapes and is shaped by society; second, how language in specific contexts can be designed and redesigned by contemporary discourse technologists to market people and products; and third, how language can satisfactorily be reshaped to change society towards emancipation and democracy. Read this book to understand aspects of contemporary society. This book paves the way for language studies in the 20th century. Topsie Ruanni F. Tupas ([email protected])

http://www.amazon.com/Critical-Discourse-Analysis-Language-Languages/dp/0582219841

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Sociolinguistics: The Essential Readings [Paperback] Christine Bratt Paulston (Editor), G. Richard Tucker (Editor) Review "Students who are new to the field at last have the opportunity to read the major seminal works by Ferguson, Fishman, Hymes, Labov, and a host of other luminaries while being guided regarding the relationship of these works to the developmental history of the field by concise but comprehensive introductions to each topic and by well-thought-out discussion questions at the end of each section. I heartily recommend this book to my colleagues and plan to use it myself in my introductory courses." Paul Lewis, SIL International "Sociolinguistics has grown so dramatically that a book of essential readings has become vitally necessary. Paulston and Tucker have put together a superb sample of the critical and the seminal, making this volume a milestone in its field." Joseph Lo Bianco, Language Australia: NLLIA "The combination of classic articles with more recent seminal articles will be welcomed by all students of the discipline as a most timely publication. The editors’ introductory comments, the bibliographies, and their recommendations for further reading help make the book an invaluable work of reference." Theo J. M. van Els, University of Nijmegen Product Description Sociolinguistics: The Essential Readings is a collection of classic articles that have helped define the field of sociolinguistics and provide the foundation for future research, paired with more recent articles which indicate the direction the field has taken. Offers a collection of classic articles that helped to define the field of sociolinguistics paired with more contemporary articles. Contextualizes the history of the subject matter and helps students understand the progression of intellectual development in the field. Includes an editorial introduction written by two prominent researchers in the field, as well as recommendations for further readings.

http://www.amazon.com/Sociolinguistics-Essential-Christine-Bratt-Paulston/dp/0631227172/ref=pd_sim_b_2

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Doing Discourse Analysis: Methods for Studying Action in Talk and Text, by Wood (9780803973510) Providing both the practical steps for doing discourse analysis and the theoretical justifications for those steps, this book shows students how the social world revolves around talk and text. The authors draw on conversation analysis, critical discourse analysis, pragmatics, and the discursive approach developed in social psychology. The book presents actual examples, covers data collection methods and strategies for data analysis, and addresses issues of reliability and validity.

http://www.bookbyte.com/1/1/110099-doing-discourse-analysis-methods-studying-action-talk-text-by-wood.html

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Discourse Analysis and the Study of Classroom Language and Literacy Events: A Microethnographic Perspective, by Bloome (9780805853209) The authors present a social linguistic/social interactional approach to the discourse analysis of classroom language and literacy events. Building on recent theories in interactional sociolinguistics, literary theory, social anthropology, critical discourse analysis, and the New Literacy Studies, they describe a microethnographic approach to discourse analysis that provides a reflexive and recursive research process that continually questions what counts as knowledge in and of the interactions among teachers and students. The approach combines attention to how people use language and other systems of communication in constructing classroom events with attention to social, cultural, and political processes. The focus of attention is on actual people acting and reacting to each other, creating and recreating the worlds in which they live. One contribution of the microethnographic approach is to highlight the conception of people as complex, multi-dimensional actors who together use what is given by culture.

http://www.bookbyte.com/1/1/901301-discourse-analysis-the-study-of-classroom-language-literacy-events-a-microethnographic-perspective-by-bloome.html

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An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Society and Identity by Sharon K. Deckert by Caroline H. Vickers This is a definitive introductory text to modern sociolinguistics that looks at the study of language and society through the concept of identity. It uses these sociolinguistic constructs of identity to tie together current concepts and methods in the field, offering a full overview of the discipline, both past and present. Deckert and Vickers adopt an interdisciplinary approach, introducing work from a variety of fields that examine sociolinguistic data, from linguistics to anthropology, sociology, psychology and education. The book moves from looking at language varieties and globalization to a close examination of language in social interaction, covering the concepts of ideology and power. Throughout, the authors offer keen insight into all of the topics, issues and methods that students of language and society will need to understand. The chapters contain a range of pedagogical features, including key terms, study questions, chapter summaries and further reading. This is an essential new text for all those studying contemporary sociolinguistics, suitable for undergraduates and postgraduates alike. "This is an engaging and compelling introduction to the field of sociolinguistics. It is a compact, comprehensive explication of the state of sociolinguistics today that crystallizes the topics of greatest interest to the field. This is a terrific book because it not only introduces students to the central topics currently on the minds of sociolinguists but demonstrates how quality sociolinguistic work is accomplished by highlighting timely and influential empirical studies. Taken as a whole, the authors construct a literature review that reflects the pulse of today’s sociolinguistics. The final chapter is especially valuable because it apprentices students—in a welcoming and demystifying way--into qualitative methods of sociolinguistic inquiry. Because it captures the poststructuralist, social constructivist, qualitative turn to sociolinguistics today, this textbook stands to have a notable impact on current and future sociolinguistic scholarship." Bryan Meadows, Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Texas Pan-American, USA 'Deckert and Vickers offer an excellent overview on the interrelationship between language and social identity. The discussion draws on research from a range of fields and is accompanied by compelling illustrations and practical activities, making the text eminently suitable for introductory courses on the topic.' Joan Kelly Hall, Department of Applied Linguistics, Penn State University, USA

http://www.continuumbooks.com/books/detail.aspx?BookId=133852&SubjectId=989&Subject2Id=1563

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Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality: A Brief History of the Education of Dominated Cultures in the United States [Paperback] Product Description This text is a concise history of Anglo American racism and school policies affecting dominated groups in the United States. It focuses on the educational, legal, and social construction of race and racism, and on educational practices related to deculturalization, segregation, and the civil rights movement. Spring emphasizes issues of power and control in schools and shows how the dominant Anglo class has stripped away the culture of minority peoples in the U.S. and replaced it with the dominant culture. In the process, he gives voice to the often-overlooked perspectives of African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans. An understanding of these historical perspectives and how they impact current conditions and policies is critical to teachers� success or failure in today�s diverse classrooms. . . Very brief and affordable, Deculturalization and the Struggle for Equality is an ideal supplement for Introduction/Foundations of Education, Multicultural Education, or any course that seeks to expand student notions of what U.S. education has been and can be. . About the Author Joel Spring received his Ph.D. in educational policy studies from the University of Wisconsin. He is currently a Professor at Queens College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. His great-great-grandfather was the first Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation in Indian Territory and his grandfather, Joel S. Spring, was a local district chief at the time Indian Territory became Oklahoma. He currently teaches at Queens College of the City University of New York.. . His major research interests are history of education, multicultural education, Native American culture, the politics of education, global education, and human rights education. He is the author of over twenty books and the most recent are How Educational Ideologies are Shaping Global Society; Education and the Rise of the Global Economy; The Universal Right to Education: Justification, Definition, and Guidelines; Globalization and Educational Rights; and Educating the Consumer Citizen: A History of the Marriage of Schools, Advertising, and Media.

http://www.amazon.com/Deculturalization-Struggle-Equality-Education-Dominated/dp/0073131776/ref=pd_cp_b_3

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Rethinking Multicultural Education: Teaching for racial and cultural justice [Paperback] Review Rethinking Multicultural Education is both thoughtful and timely. As the nation and our schools become more complex on every dimension--race, ethnicity, class, gender, ability, sexuality, immigrant status--teachers need theory and practice to help guide and inform their curriculum and their pedagogy. This is the resource teachers at every level have been looking for. --Gloria Ladson-Billings, UW Madison, author of Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children Product Description Rethinking Multicultural Education demonstrates a powerful vision of anti-racist, social justice education. Practical, rich in story, and analytically sharp, this book reclaims multicultural education as part of a larger struggle for justice and against racism, colonization, and cultural oppression--in schools and society.

http://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Multicultural-Education-Teaching-cultural/dp/0942961420/ref=pd_sim_b_2

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Language: the Social Mirror (Sociolinguistics) [Paperback] Product Description Language: The Social Mirror focuses on the ways language is used and how this use affects the individual as well as society. Thoroughly revised, the fourth edition presents a modern study of sociolinguistics through updated case studies and current research findings. Elaine Chaika gives a detailed explanation of the complexity of language and its uses. She also explores some of the most controversial issues surrounding social language including dialects, bilingualism, and gender.

http://www.amazon.com/Language-Social-Sociolinguistics-Elaine-Chaika/dp/1424004322/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

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The Light in Their Eyes: Creating Multicultural Learning Communities: 10th Anniversary Edition (Multicultural Education Series) [Paperback] Product Description In this 10th Anniversary Edition of her popular text, Sonia Nieto reviews where we have been and where we should be going in our pursuit of creating multicultural learning communities in our schools. With a new Introductory Chapter and a new Epilogue, Nieto addresses some of the changes we have experienced during the past decade that help explain the current sociopolitical environment, our increasing diversity, the altering conditions in schools and in society, the influence of poverty on learning, and the impact of NCLB on classrooms and schools. This updated edition of The Light in Their Eyes focuses on the significant role of teachers in transforming students' lives. It considers recent theories, policies, and practices about the variability in student learning and culturally responsive pedagogy and examines the importance of student and teacher voice in research and practice. It also provides an update, in their own words, on former students whose journal entries were included in the first edition. About the Author Sonia Nieto is Professor Emerita at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is the author of the bestselling books Why We Teach and What Keeps Teachers Going?

http://www.amazon.com/Light-Their-Eyes-Multicultural-Communities/dp/0807750549/ref=pd_cp_b_1

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The Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development Handbook: A Complete K-12 Reference Guide (4th Edition) [Paperback] Product Description The fourth edition of this best-selling handbook brings together theories, ideas, and resources for promoting cross-cultural awareness, language development, and academic progress for English learners. It ties together culture and language in a comprehensive format, providing teachers with a wealth of specific strategies and classroom examples to apply to educational practice. From the Back Cover Ties together culture and language for English learners! The fourth edition of this best-selling handbook brings together theories, ideas, and resources for promoting crosscultural awareness, language development, and academic progress for English language learners (ELLs).It links culture and language in a comprehensive format, providing teachers with a wealth of specific strategies and classroom examples to apply to educational practice. Designed specifically for the mainstream classroom teacher, this guide clearly shows the effects of second-language acquisition on learning and presents an excellent treatment of cultural diversity and learning styles. Given that more than two million students nationwide have limited English proficiency, there is more of a need than ever for an effective resource to help these students succeed in today’s standards-based environment. New to this edition: New Individualizing Instruction boxes throughout the text profile English learners with specific instructional needs, learning styles, or cultural requirements, and offer suggestions to meet those needs. Each chapter ends with opportunities for student reflection and a classroom activity to be performed with an English learner. New expanded content on assessment (Chapter 7) and content-based instruction (Chapter 5) has been added. Chapter 4 now includes more specific glimpses of classroom methods in use and more examples of how literacy instruction can be differentiated. Chapter 8 features a deeper discussion of culture, race, and ethnicity within the classroom. Chapter 9 expands upon the definition of culture and the concept that the individual is proactive during the process of accommodation. A MyEducationLab interactive website (www.myeducationlab.com) includes videos, simulations, case studies, activities, and more to help prepare students for teaching careers.

http://www.amazon.com/Crosscultural-Language-Academic-Development-Handbook/dp/0137154097/ref=pd_sim_b_5

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Sociolinguists: Subjects and Leaders Sociolinguists study many other issues, among them the values that hearers place on variations in language, the regulation of linguistic behavior, language standardization, and educational and governmental policies concerning language. The term sociolinguistics is associated with William Labov and his quantitative methodology. Around the world, many linguists study the intersection of language and social factors from other perspectives. The most prominent is M. A. K. Halliday, whose approach is called systemic-functionalist linguistics. Some other prominent sociolinguists are Guy Bailey, John Baugh, Jack Chambers, Penelope Eckert, Lesley Milroy, John Rickford, Suzanne Romaine, Roger Shuy, Deborah Tannen, Peter Trudgill, and Walt Wolfram. Suggested Reading/Additional Resources Chaika, Elaine. Language: The Social Mirror. 3rd ed. Boston: Heinle & Heinle, 1994. Coulmas, Florian, ed. The Handbook of Sociolinguistics. Oxford: Blackwell, 1997. Macaulay, Ronald K. S. The Social Art: Language and Its Uses. New York: Oxford University Press, 1994. Trudgill, Peter. Sociolinguistics: An introduction to language and society. London: Penguin Books, 1995. Wardhaugh, Ronald. An introduction to sociolinguistics. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, 1992. Wolfram, Walt. Dialects and American English. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1991. (reissued by Basil Blackwell in 1998 as American English: Dialects and variation).

http://www.pbs.org/speak/speech/sociolinguistics/sociolinguistics/

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Phillips, D.C., "Philosophy of Education", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2009 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2009/entries/education-philosophy/>.