Cross-Language Connections for English Learners' Literacy Development

The number of English learners continues to increase in the United States. Additionally, many English learners will experience language and learning disabilities. These students require specialized instruction by highly qualified educators. This article addresses the various cross-language strategies that can benefit English learners with disabilities. Examples of explicit and systematic instruction are provided. In addition, resources to support language instruction in the forms of tables and figures are provided for the reader. Most educators will at some point in their career face the challenge of teaching a second language learner with a learning disability. This article provides guidance regarding the special considerations that are necessary for language and literacy instruction among English learners with learning disabilities.