The Need for a Solution in Content Classes
Besides, English, three content classes are commonly failed among English learners: Algebra, Biology, and US History.
Algebra requires deeper thinking, so on top of the language which is already hard to express and interpret, students have another layer of complexity. That makes Algebra hard enough, but when you consider that many of these students' home countries either have math education systems that are structured very different than the US, or don't have the baseline knowledge required to execute certain functions, Algebra becomes a major challenge for English learners.
Biology, is difficult for another reason: vocabulary. Yes, Biology is complex, but the initial hurdle presented by big, scary words makes it seem nearly impossible to pass for many--unless a teacher predicates all teaching on words of high consequence...
There's a lot to say about that.
The challenge we at AIR Language decided to tackle was US History. US History is difficult for students because of background knowledge. The assumed understanding US history teachers have of their students, though understandable, is quite vast, and when students have little to no scope for what happened in the US for the past 500 years, it takes some work to catch up.
US History Books for English Learners
This is why we decided to write US History books for English learners on the AIR Language Platform.
The challenges we faced, however, when writing these books, may have been just as difficult as it is for students to learn. This is what we prioritized in our writing:
Grammar that is particular to student language levels
Vocabulary that is important for particular times in US history and commonly used in units
Standards of instruction (We used Michigan State standards in our books, which also support the knowledge required to pass the US citizenship test.)
Quality and historically accurate pictures that support the meaning of the books
A recognition of events that help paint the larger picture of what is happening in different periods in the US
A common-sense trajectory of the scope of US history
A building toward civics in level 4
In order to accomplish the challenge of creating content as described above, we wanted to find someone who had credentials and was able to present certain precarious events and practices as honestly and charitably as possible. This was no easy task. The person we found to do the job was none other than Drew Larson.
Drew has a double major in History and Economics from Western Oregon University and a Master's degree in Teaching from Western Governors University. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and has taught US history in a high school in Washington state for about 8 years. Drew loves history, and is a very hard worker. It has taken him about 9 months to complete the books, we are very proud of the work he has done. Way to go, Drew!
Make an account to check out Drew's work on our platform!
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