Intended to help students from language-minority backgrounds develop literacy in English, this book identifies and answers the major questions surrounding reading instruction for English as a second language (ESL) students. Specifically, the book reviews and synthesizes what is known about background issues related to the education of ESL students; provides specific suggestions to teachers and administrators for organizing for instruction and enhancing student learning; and gives concrete examples of practical ways in which teachers can develop and implement authentic, meaning-centered instructional activities. Chapters in the book are (1) "Demographic Overview: Changes in Student Enrollment in American Schools" (Julia Lara); (2) "Multiculturation: An Educational Model for a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Society" (Carlos E. Cortes); (3) "The Acquisition of English as a Second Language" (Jim Cummins); (4) "Self-Esteem: Access to Literacy in Multicultural and Multilingual Classrooms" (Bess Altwerger and Bonnie Lee Ivener); (5) "Instructional Approaches and Teaching Procedures" (Anna Uhl Chamot and J. Michael O'Malley); (6) "Selecting Materials for the Reading Instruction of ESL Children" (Virginia Garibaldi Allen); (7) "Comprehending through Reading and Writing: Six Research-Based Instructional Strategies" (Nancy Farnan and others); (8) "Language, Literacy, and Content Instruction: Strategies for Teachers" (Alfredo Schifini); and (9) "Assessing the Literacy Development of Second-Language Students: A Focus on Authentic Assessment" (Georgia Earnest Garcia). "The ESL Student: Reflections on the Present, Concerns for the Future (Eleanor Wall Thonis) concludes the book. Author and subject indexes are attached. (RS)