English learners (ELs) are the fastest-growing demographic in US public schools. Migration to industrialized nations like the US will continue to drive that growth. By 2031, 72% of jobs in the US will require postsecondary education or training.2 English is the common language for both business and academia worldwide, so the gainfully employed must communicate well in English. But it is wrong to think about the 10% of American students—five million of them—who are learning English as if they are filling a void. Since when is learning more a bad thing? What they’re doing is gaining sought-after skills for a global economy. Unfortunately, ELs also graduate from college at lower rates than the general population. It’s clear that mastering English is key to college preparation, but Smallwood Ramos encourages complete literacy in both native and target languages.