SRI International and the Center for Applied Linguistics were awarded a contract in 2001 from the Institute of Education Sciences to convene a National Literacy Panel (NLP) composed of expert researchers from the fields of reading, language, bilingualism, research methods, and education. The charge to the panel was to conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the research literature on the development of literacy among language minority children and youth. The panel was to produce a report evaluating and synthesizing this research literature to guide educational practice and inform educational policy.

In assessing the research, the panel reviewed almost 2000 documents. In addition, two public outreach meetings were held in order to gather information from the education community and other stakeholders interested in the acquisition of literacy by language minority children. Other information sessions were held in conjunction with national conferences of professional organizations.

In 2006 the NLP published its report, Developing Literacy in Second-Language Learners, edited by Diane August and Timothy Shanahan. Read the Executive Summary here. Learn more about this publication here.