Stress and Coping of English Learners addresses the many ways that ELs
face academic and socioemotional stress in the K-12 school environment,
the consequences of this stress at school, how they cope with this
stress, and how school personnel and families can provide support and
help. While enrollment in school programs offers assistance to many ELs,
it often fails to provide the socioemotional support that ELs need as
they navigate the rough waters of schooling. American schooling is often
not prepared and/or unwilling to help ELs as they adapt to an unfamiliar
language, culture, social norms, communication techniques, and teachers'
expectations. Given the proper foundation and emotional support, ELs
will be positioned for greater academic success, comfort at school, and
a decrease in their sense of alienation in both the school environment
and at home as they try to negotiate between two cultural environments.