English-language learner: Difference between revisions

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The term "English-language learner" was first used by Mark LaCelle-Peterson and Charlene Rivera in their 1994 study. He defined ELL students as students whose first language is not English, including both limited and higher levels of language proficiency. The term ELL emphasizes that students are mastering another language, something many monolingual students in American schools may never attempt outside of the limited proficiency gained from foreign language class requirements. In adopting the term, LaCelle-Peterson and Rivera gave analogies of other conventional educational terms. The authors believed that just as we refer to advanced teaching candidates as "student teachers" rather than "limited teaching proficient individuals," the term ELL underscores what students are ''learning'' instead of their limitations.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lacelle-Peterson |first1=Mark |last2=Rivera |first2=Charlene |title=Is It Real for All Kids? A Framework for Equitable Assessment Policies for English Language Learners |journal=Harvard Educational Review |date=1 April 1994 |volume=64 |issue=1 |pages=55–76 |doi=10.17763/haer.64.1.k3387733755817j7 }}</ref>
 
Since 1872, an English-only instruction law had been in place in the United States. It was not until 1967, that the legislation was overturned by SB53, a policy signed for California public schools to allow other languages in instruction. A year later, after SB53 garnered support by the immigrant community, the [[Bilingual Education Act]] (Title VII) was passed. Nationally, public schools were then provided funding for programs that met the educational needs of ELL.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Horsford |first1=Sonya |last2=Sampson |first2=Carrie |date=2013 |title=High-ELL-Growth States: Expanding Funding Equity and Opportunity for English Language Learners |url=https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1046135.pdf |journal=Voices in Urban Education |volume= |issue=3 |pages=49-52 |doi= |jstor= |s2cid=}}</ref>
 
Not long after the installment of [[Civil Rights Act of 1964|Title VII]], the "taxpayers revolt" came to fruition and California's Proposition 13 was drafted. It proposed funding cuts for large portions of California's public schools, backed by those who disapproved of immigrant progress. In opposition to this, cases like ''[[Castañeda v. Pickard|Castaneda v Pickard]]'' fought for educational equality and standards focused on developing ELL students, as well as an overall sound plan for school districts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sutori|url=https://www.sutori.com/story/sf-cess-historical-timeline-of-public-education-in-the-u-s--R4BQwQWU9qnFGZQk3x1WAbcN|access-date=2021-05-12|website=www.sutori.com|language=en}}</ref> An additional setback occurred in California in 1998 when Proposition 227 passed, banning bilingual education yet again. To combat this, education advocates in the Bay Area began to open all-inclusive schools to promote the acceptance of ELL students.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Small Autonomous Schools as a District Policy: The Oakland Plan {{!}} Coalition of Essential Schools|url=http://essentialschools.org/horace-issues/small-autonomous-schools-as-a-district-policy-the-oakland-plan/|access-date=2021-05-12|language=en-US}}</ref>
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There are a wide variety of different program models that may be used to structure the education of English-language learners (ELLs). These program models vary depending on the goals of the program and the resources available. Some researchers describe program models as existing on a spectrum from more monolingual forms to more bilingual forms.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Baker |first1=Colin |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.21832/baker9899 |title=Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism |last2=Wright |first2=Wayne E. |date=2021-03-31 |publisher=Multilingual Matters |doi=10.21832/baker9899 |isbn=978-1-78892-988-2 |s2cid=241801261}}</ref> Others distinguish between English-only program models and bilingual program models.<ref>{{cite book |id={{ERIC|ED517794}} |last1=Moughamian |first1=Ani C. |last2=Rivera |first2=Mabel O. |last3=Francis |first3=David J. |title=Instructional Models and Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners |date=2009 |publisher=Center on Instruction }}{{pn|date=June 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Professional Development SIOP.jpg|thumb|At a professional development seminar, educators learn about the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model, a specific model of sheltered instruction used to accommodate English-language learners in mainstream classrooms.]]
Fast-track to English programs encourage students to use English as quickly as possible and offer little to no native language support. In [[Transitional bilingual education|transition-bilingual programs]], instruction begins in the student's native language and then switches to English in elementary or middle school. In [[Dual language|dual language programs]] (also known as two-way bilingual or two-way [[Language immersion|immersion]] programs), students become fluent simultaneously in their native language and English.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learning and Thinking Differences in English Language Learners |date=5 August 2019 |url=https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/english-language-learners/understanding-learning-and-thinking-differences-in-ells}}</ref> [[Sheltered instruction]] is another approach in which integrates language and content instruction in the mainstream classroom environment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hansen-Thomas |first=Holly |date=2012-07-13 |title=Sheltered Instruction: Best Practices for ELLs in the Mainstream |journal=Kappa Delti Pi Record |volume=44 |issue=4 |pages=165–69|doi=10.1080/00228958.2008.10516517 |s2cid=144305523 }}</ref> Program models utilizing sheltered instruction may also be referred to as content-based instruction (CBI) or content language integrated learning (CLIL).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ping |first1=Wang |title=Understanding bilingual education: an overview of key notions in the literature and the implications for Chinese university EFL education |journal=Cambridge Journal of Education |date=2 January 2017 |volume=47 |issue=1 |pages=85–102 |doi=10.1080/0305764X.2015.1118439 |s2cid=147483836 }}</ref>
 
=== "Push-in" programs versus "pull-out" programs ===
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[[Scaffolding theory]] was introduced in 1976 by [[Jerome Bruner]], David Wood, and Gail Ross.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pea |first1=Roy D. |title=The Social and Technological Dimensions of Scaffolding and Related Theoretical Concepts for Learning, Education, and Human Activity |journal=Journal of the Learning Sciences |date=July 2004 |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=423–451 |doi=10.1207/s15327809jls1303_6 |s2cid=58282805 |url=https://telearn.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00190619/file/A117_Pea_04_JLS_Scaffolding.pdf }}</ref> Bruner adapts [[Lev Vygotsky]]'s [[zone of proximal development]] theory to child development. In the context of aiding ELL students, scaffolding is seen as a way to offer more support to ELL students initially through additional strategies and approaches, which are gradually removed as the student gains independence and proficiency. Different scaffolding strategies include associating English vocabulary to visuals, drawing back to a student's prior knowledge, pre-teaching difficult vocabulary before assigning readings they appear in, and encouraging questions from students, whether they be content-related or to ensure comprehension. All of these additional areas of support are to be gradually removed, so that students become more independent, even if that means no longer needing some of these associations or seeking them out for themselves.
 
=== Labor-based grading === <!-- [[Labor-based grading]] links here. Please do not change. -->
In Asao Inoue's "Labor-Based Grading Contracts", he proposes an alternative to traditional content-based or quality-based methods of assessment in writing classrooms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inoue|first=Asao B.|date=2019|title=Labor-Based Grading Contracts|url=https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/books/labor/contracts.pdf}}</ref> Inoue outlines his own innovative classroom design, which assigns grades based on set standards for how much work is put into each assignment through quantitative methods such as word counts. High marks are earned by students who go above the baseline requirements, which earn students a "B" on the A–F grading scale. The intent behind Inoue's design is that students are rewarded for their efforts rather than deterred, and students who traditionally score poorly when graded on quality (such as ELL students) are equally capable of receiving a certain grade as any other student, despite any educational setbacks or challenges they endure. A unique aspect to the labor-based grading design is that students collaborate as a class to decide what the terms on conditions of grading scales are. This way, all student's voices are heard and considered when developing a method of evaluation for their work.
 
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== ELLs with disabilities ==
Of the 5 million ELL students in the 2019–2020 school year, 15.3% of these or 766,600 were identified with disabilities and qualified for special education services.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COE – English Language Learners in Public Schools|url=https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgf|access-date=2021-10-16|website=nces.ed.gov|language=en}}</ref> ELLs with disabilities follow the same path to receiving services for special education: academic struggle is observed by those working with the student, the student is referred to a team of professionals for intervention and/or assessment, if a disability is found they are then placed in special education programming for support.<ref name=":3" /> Most ELL students with disabilities qualify under the [[specific learning disability]] or [[speech and language impairment]] categories.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="WIDA">{{Cite web |last=WIDA |date=May 2017 |title=Identifying Multilingual Learners with Specific Learning Disabilities: Data, Advice, and Resources for School Teams |url=https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/resource/FocusBulletin-Identifying-Multilingual-Learners-Specific-Learning-Disabilities.pdf |website=WIDA}}</ref>
 
Researchers have found that there are disproportionate numbers of in ELL students identified as in need of special education.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> There can be overrepresentation where ELL students are qualified into special education services due to underlying language issues but do not truly have a disability, or there can be underrepresentation when a disability exists but the ELL student is not qualified into special education because a disability is assumed to be a language development related issue.<ref name=":4" />'''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-06-10|title=Challenges in Special Education Identification for ELLs|url=https://www.colorincolorado.org/special-education-ell/identification|access-date=2021-10-16|website=Colorín Colorado|language=en}}</ref>'''When determining the reasoning behind academic difficulties, areas such as standardized tests, observation and parent involvement have been considered to determine the struggle of the student.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supporting Academic and Affective Learning Processes for English Language Learners with Universal Design for Learning |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44984766}}</ref>  Although assessments in schools common, the reliability of this in terms of language proficiency and learning disability can be questionable considering their limitations.
 
Most ELL students qualify under the [[specific learning disability]] or [[speech and language impairment]] categories.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="WIDA">{{Cite web |last=WIDA |date=May 2017 |title=Identifying Multilingual Learners with Specific Learning Disabilities: Data, Advice, and Resources for School Teams |url=https://wida.wisc.edu/sites/default/files/resource/FocusBulletin-Identifying-Multilingual-Learners-Specific-Learning-Disabilities.pdf |website=WIDA}}</ref> According to [[WIDA Consortium|WIDA]], states with the highest identification of ELLs with disabilities, the specific learning disability category is the highest category for special education qualification. (See the "WIDA Focus On: ELLs with Specific Learning Disabilities" fact sheet]<ref name=WIDA/> for a detailed map breakdown by state on percentages of ELLs identified into this category.) Although a language barrier is present, when classifying the disability or impairment intrinsic and extrinsic factors considered are:
 
Researchers have found that there are disproportionate numbers of in ELL students identified as in need of special education.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> There can be overrepresentation where ELL students are qualified into special education services due to underlying language issues but do not truly have a disability, or there can be underrepresentation when a disability exists but the ELL student is not qualified into special education because a disability is assumed to be a language development related issue.<ref name=":4" />'''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-06-10|title=Challenges in Special Education Identification for ELLs|url=https://www.colorincolorado.org/special-education-ell/identification|access-date=2021-10-16|website=Colorín Colorado|language=en}}</ref>'''WhenInformation determiningfrom thestandardized reasoningtests, behinddirect academic difficultiesobservation, areasand suchparent asfeedback standardizedare tests,used observationto anddiagnose parentthe involvementroot havecauses beenfor consideredlanguage tolearning determinestudents thewho struggle of thewith studentacademics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supporting Academic and Affective Learning Processes for English Language Learners with Universal Design for Learning |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44984766}}</ref>  AlthoughWhen assessmentsclassifying inthe schoolsdisability commonor impairment, the reliability of this in terms of language proficiencyintrinsic and learningextrinsic disabilityfactors canconsidered be questionable considering their limitations.are:
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=== Strategies for supporting ELLs in the classroom and beyond ===
Allowing students to [[Translanguaging|translanguage]], or alternate, between English and their native language is an essential strategy for English-language learners. In the classroom, English-language learners can often feel intimidated when asked to speak or communicate complex ideas, so when students are allowed to use their first language to help produce their second language, it lessens some of the anxiety that can occur.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|first=Jennifer|last=Gonzalez|date=2014-12-11|title=12 Ways to Support English Learners in the Mainstream Classroom |url=https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/supporting-esl-students-mainstream-classroom/|access-date=2021-10-13|website=Cult of Pedagogy|language=en}}</ref> In thisthese casecases, most teachers aremay notbe asless concerned about theirstudents' language output, but more sothan if they are able to express their thoughtthoughts.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|date=2016-07-26|title=What is translanguaging?|url=https://ealjournal.org/2016/07/26/what-is-translanguaging/|access-date=2021-10-13|website=EAL Journal|language=en}}</ref> The use of translanguage in the classroom, allows students to process and convey their ideas in a lower-risk output situation (worksheets) that can lead to more high-risk output situations (essays and projects).<ref name=":22" />
 
When it comes to writing, constant and a variety ofvaried feedback needs toshould be provided. Feedback can be given using a rubric that addresses grammatical concepts such as syntax.<ref name=":02"/> Modeling effective writing is also an essential strategy, which can be done by vocalizing their reasoning for choice in vocabulary, sentence structure, and even purpose for writing.<ref name=":02" /> Teachers shouldcan chunk writing steps into manageable sections for English-language learners.<ref name=":02" />
[[File:Karvachar Armath Lab at work.jpg|thumb|Technology usage in the classroom can be beneficial for English-language learners.]]
Incorporating technology supports the language development of ELLs in the classroom. The internet makes it possible for students to view videos of activities, events, and places around the world instantaneously. Viewing these activities can help English-language learners develop an understanding of new concepts while at the same time building topic related schema (background knowledge).<ref>{{Cite web|title=6 Essential Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners|url=https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-essential-strategies-teaching-english-language-learners|access-date=2020-06-11|website=Edutopia|language=en}}</ref> Introducing students to media literacy and accessible materials can also aid them in their future academic endeavors and establish research skills early on. For English-language learners, listening all the time can become very taxing, so teachers should add in visuals as much as they can to support students.<ref name=":13"/> Technology allows teachers to help students visually because images can be projected on the screen as well as text when learning new concepts.
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== Future ==
While there have been several advancements in both the rights and the strategies and support offered in the United States and Canada for English-language learning students, there is still much work to be done. Despite International students (who often make up the bulk of ELL students in higher education, in addition to immigrants) being sought out as sources of profit and their boosts of collegiate diversity statistics, there are not always additional funding and resources curated to support these students at their respective institutions. With efforts like former U.S. president [[Donald Trump|Donald J. Trump's]] proposed deportation of international students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing debate whether to continue to support pathways to citizenship and achievement by the children of undocumented immigrants, such as [[Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals|DACA]], there are still many hindrances to this group of students occurring today. Adoption of socially-just classroom pedagogies such as those proposed by Asao Inoue, and the re-examination of the privileges inherent in the existence of "[[Academic English|Standard Academic English]]" are current steps towards a trajectory of inclusion and tolerance for these groups of students in both K–12 and higher education.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Inoue |first1=Asao B. |title=Antiracist Writing Assessment Ecologies: Teaching and Assessing Writing for a Socially Just Future |date=2015 |publisher=Parlor Press LLC |isbn=978-1-60235-775-4 |doi=10.37514/PER-B.2015.0698 }}{{pn|date=June 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://www.wallstreet-english.co.il/ Wall Street English] – Award-Winning, Global & ISO-Certified English Learning Platform, Teaching Students Since 1972.</ref>
 
== References ==