Understanding English Language Variation in U. S. Schools

In today's culturally diverse classrooms, students possess and use many culturally, ethnically, and regionally diverse English language varieties that may differ from standardized English. This book helps classroom teachers become attuned to these differences and offers practical strategies to support student achievement while fostering positive language attitudes in classrooms and beyond. The text contrasts standardized varieties of English with Southern, Appalachian, and African American English varieties, focusing on issues that are of everyday concern to those who are assessing the linguistic competence of students.

Anne H. Charity Hudley is assistant professor of English, linguistics, and Africana studies at the College of William Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Christine Mallinson is assistant professor in the Language, Literacy, and Culture Program and affiliate assistant professor in the Gender and Women's Studies Program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC). Visit the authors' professional development website at http://charityhudleymallinson.com/professionaldevelopment.