The learning of a second language is distinct from other types of learning, and involves a complex interplay of cognitive, affective, motivational, and emotional factors. Two important factors are language mindsets, the beliefs that learners hold regarding their language learning ability, and foreign language anxiety, the language…

America's Middle East Studies Centers (MESCs) were originally founded to study the politics, culture, and language of Middle Eastern nations. But our analyses and case studies demonstrate that Middle East centers have since shifted their focus to promoting left-wing ideologies. "Hijacked: The Capture of America's Middle East Studies…

Dual language (DL) schools provide literacy in students' native languages; however, it is unknown if there is a focus on oral language (OL) development, an essential component for emergent bilinguals'(EB) literacy development. The purpose of this mixed-methods case study is to understand what DL teachers in Virginia know about OL instruction when…

This article explores communication between parents who are adult English learners (ELs) and K--12 educators in a Virginia region that has seen a rapid increase in the number of immigrant families. Using a social capital lens, communication is viewed as the means through which information between families and educators is exchanged and authentic…

When visiting Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs within today's public schools, sociocultural divides and linguistic barriers between parents of each represented language group become quickly recognizable. Should it be a priority of DLI programs to foster intercultural parental relations as a means for improving student learning? If given the…

Schools in America, especially in communities far from urban centers, are working harder to find highly qualified and culturally proficient staff to prepare students successfully for an increasingly interconnected world. Apart from offering teachers more professional development and hiring educators with international travel experience, public…

This project involves the collaboration of researchers with 24 teachers in a study aimed at investigating and improving the vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension of 4th and 5th grade students for whom English is a second language. Cross sectional and longitudinal data were collected on various aspects of vocabulary knowledge, vocabulary…