Myths
1) All ELLs should be able to learn English at the same rate and ability level regardless of background and culture. True/False?
2) ELLs speak English perfectly when they speak with their friends, but then they fail assignments. They must have a learning disability. True/False?
3) Adults learn second languages more quickly and easily than young children. True/False?
4) According to research, students in ESL-only programs, with no schooling in their native language, take 7-10 years to reach grade level norms. True/False?
5) A lot of immigrant children have learning disabilities, not language problems. They speak English just fine but they are still failing academically. True/False?
6) Cognitive and academic development in native language has an important and positive effect on second language acquisition. True/False?
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7) Students will learn English faster if they are forbidden to use their native language. True/False?
8) The younger a child is, the easier it will be for them to learn a new language. True/False?
9) Older generations of immigrants learned without all the special language programs that immigrant children receive now. It was "sink or swim" and they did just fine! True/False?
10) Second language learners will acquire academic English faster if their parents speak English at home. True/False?
11) Once students can speak English, they are ready to undertake the academic tasks of the mainstream classroom. True/False?
12) The culture of students doesn’t affect how long it takes them to acquire English. All students learn language the same way. True/False?
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The information summarized above, as well as additional information is taken from EverythingESL.net, compiled by Judie Haynes.