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Conceptual Overview

Developing Language in the Context of Science

A View from the Institute for Inquiry

This paper presents the Institute for Inquiry’s approach to integrating science and English language development. It illuminates key features and foundational principles that underpin the design of our professional learning experiences. The Institute for Inquiry’s® work is based on the premise that inquiry-based approaches to science require increased communication and sophisticated uses of language, thereby engaging students in linguistic work that can support their English language development. All students—particularly English language learners and others with limited literacy development—encounter language and literacy challenges and opportunities as they engage in doing science. Our conceptual framework takes this into account by recognizing that both science learning and language development can be promoted by providing particular kinds of experiences and supports as students engage in doing science.

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