ABSTRACT
Across North America, as in other parts of the world, the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic makeup of schools is changing rapidly and dramatically as a result of shifting dynamics in immigration. Demographic statistics collected since the early 1990s reveal a large increase in the number of English language learners (ELLs) enrolled in K–12 schools (Short & Fitzsimmons, 2007; Statistics Canada, 2005; Statistics Canada, 2007). In 2006, ELLs represented approximately 10% of the total student population in the U.S., making it the fastest-growing student population in the nation (Alliance for Excellent Education, 2007; Hoffman & Sable, 2006; Levine & McCloskey, 2009). Similarly in Canada in 2006, 9% of students spoke a non-official language at home, and this population comprised approximately 20% in Toronto and Vancouver (Statistics Canada, 2007).
