Case Study Reflection

ELLs IN TODAY'S SCHOOL

The case study on "ELLs IN TODAY'S SCHOOL" resonated with me because it highlights the changing demographics in U.S. schools and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. As a teacher, I believe in the value of trying to understand and appreciate the linguistic, socio-economical, and cultural diversity of our students. The case study gets at the importance of additive practices, which focus on building upon students' existing knowledge and experiences, rather than subtractive practices, which aim to replace or diminish their cultural and linguistic backgrounds (Gorski & Pothini, 2018).

In my school setting, we have a growing number of English Language Learners (ELLs) and we have made efforts to accommodate these students, but there remains a prevailing sentiment that the primary focus should be on English acquisition. This mirrors the subtractive practices mentioned in the case study. However, I believe that by embracing...

Teachers need to know the difference between additive and subtractive practices. Training sessions would help: teachers could explore the theoretical and practical aspects of these methods....…tool for communication; people need to realize that it is a gateway to understanding. Traditional approaches that focus solely on English acquisition can sideline the backgrounds that ELL students bring. Dual-language programs can be a game-changer. With them, instruction is delivered in both English and the student's native language, which helps to show value to the student's native language; plus, it facilitates bilingualism.

Schools should be seen as part of the larger community. They should celebrate the cultures within the school. They should be a platform for students to showcase their traditions. This is what helps to bring together students, staff, parents, and community members together to be on one page. It…