The role of language and literacy in college- and career-ready standards: Rethinking policy and practice in support of English language learners

This policy brief describes (1) the implementation of new College and Career Ready standards, with a focus on the implications for ELs; (2) the challenges of language acquisition; (3) the importance of connecting language proficiency and rigorous content standards for learners; (4) a number of initiatives under way to analyze the language demands embodied in the new standards; (5) the substantive changes needed at the secondary school level; and (6) related recommendations for state and local policymakers.