This book provides a social and educational perspective on
contemporary English language learners, especially those large,
fast-growing Hispanic and Asian groups whose presence is felt
strongly in the schools. It is addressed to preservice and in-
service teachers of English, whether in language arts, bilingual
education, or English as a second language classrooms. Part I
describes the makeup of previous generations of English language
learners in the US and provides current demographics on English
language learners. It also examines the process whereby
immigrants come to adopt English. Part II provides teachers with
information on the immigration background, language
characteristics, and language use patterns of the most numerous
groups of present-day English language learners. Part III
explores three types of investment necessary for successful
language learning - individual investment, legal and policy
investment, and educational investment.