Academic language learning: A conversation with Emily Phillips Galloway

Abstract

In an interview with Kappan, Emily Phillips Galloway explains why it is important to provide specific instruction in academic language to help students better understand the texts they are likely to encounter in 4th grade and beyond. To understand these texts, students need a set of core skills, such as the ability to discern an author’s viewpoint or to keep track of people and ideas. Helping students to notice and talk about the features of academic language will enable them to better understand and use such language.