All teachers need deep, broad knowledge about language to support their students' language and literacy development. Five commentaries on this thesis, from the perspectives of early childhood education, teacher certification, and teacher preparation and professional development point out the value and the challenges of improving educators' understanding about language.

This book is intended for educators in teacher preparation and professional development, for administrators and policymakers, and for teachers wanting to know more about the role that language plays in linguistically and culturally diverse schools.