Engaging Newcomer Students in Deeper Learning

Teaching Up to Newcomers: Beyond English-Only Learning
As the number of newcomer students grows across the U.S., educators are called to go beyond rapid English acquisition and create classrooms that affirm identity, build community, and deepen learning. Newcomers—students born outside the U.S. who have attended U.S. schools for fewer than three years—bring valuable cultural, linguistic, and lived experiences. Yet, deficit views, limited teacher training, and narrow curricula often hold them back.

This guide offers six research-based strategies to "teach up"—centering rigor, relevance, and inclusion. From celebrating multilingualism and embedding culturally relevant content to encouraging civic action and addressing tough topics, these practices help newcomers thrive as learners and leaders. When schools teach up, they don't just support newcomers—they transform learning for all students.

Read the full article to explore the six strategies and practical classroom examples