In many ways, this book is a well-timed revolution. It is an antidote to an era when test scores are prioritized over robust education, when schools are stealing from the most marginalized students access to arts education. If discussions about benefits of the arts for English Language Learners isn’t enough, the on-the-ground activities for bolstering, not just student learning, but also student engagement are invaluable. Every teacher of English Language Learners should read this book.

Paul C. Gorski, Founder & Lead Consultant, Equity Literacy Institute

Using Photography and Other Arts-Based Methods With English Language Learners is an interesting and inspiring book that introduces highly engaging instructional strategies and logical, clear research to classroom teachers so they can strengthen and enhance the learning of non-native English speakers (and all their students). Throughout the book, the authors share ideas and examples of how ELL students have been empowered to be creative problem solvers and encouraged to take active roles in their learning with rich “hands-on, minds-on” experiences. Each chapter explains the “whys and hows” of supporting ELL students as well as the benefits (academically and social/emotionally) of encouraging a safe, secure community of learners so all students can participate and grow. This is an interesting and inspiring book that introduces highly engaging instructional strategies and logical, clear research to classroom teachers so they can strengthen and enhance the learning of non-native English speakers (and all their students). Throughout the book, the authors share ideas and examples of how ELL students have been empowered to be creative problem solvers and encouraged to take active roles in their learning with rich “hands-on, minds-on” experiences. Each chapter explains the “whys and hows” of supporting ELL students as well as the benefits (academically and social/emotionally) of encouraging a safe, secure community of learners so all students can participate and grow.

Jeanne Muzi, 2008-09 NJ State Teacher of the Year