English learners coming into our public schools at the secondary grade levels face multiple challenges. First, they face a very short ramp to acquire the level of English language proficiency needed to succeed academically and to graduate. In addition, newcomers are in the process of acclimating to their new country, which also entails socialization into a new school environment.

As an educator who has worked with English learners for over two decades, it's a situation that's challenging for both ...