Hutchison, Laveria F.2018-02-152018-02-15December 22017-12December 2http://hdl.handle.net/10657/2097The purpose of this study is to identify and describe effective reading strategies to assist English Language Learners embedded in research-based instructional methods that instills high levels of self-esteem and ameliorate the chance of success in secondary school and beyond. I have learned through my pedagogical experience that educators must employ a systematic change to occur in classrooms-one that implements passion in the classroom and establishes emotional connections for all students regardless of their ethnic background and implementing curriculum standards which require more analysis of text and deeper context to classroom discussions. There is a need for all students to become problems solvers and innovators and not just repeaters of information. It is crucial that their learning experiences are linked to their cultural backgrounds and make connections to their personal lives. This narrative exploration can be used as a starting point for educational discussions to prepare ELLs for high levels of academic success and exposing them to a rigorous reading and language arts curriculum. This narrative can also serve as a guide to shape pedagogical practices that supports authentic teaching and modeling, implementing a variety of strategies to promote cultural awareness, and involving confident students as partners in a community of life-long learners.application/pdfengThe author of this work is the copyright owner. UH Libraries and the Texas Digital Library have their permission to store and provide access to this work. Further transmission, reproduction, or presentation of this work is prohibited except with permission of the author(s).English Language Learners (ELLs)2018-02-15Thesisborn digital