Participation of English Language Learners in School Music Ensembles

• In Event: Student Participation and Motivation in Music Education

Abstract

There is evidence that English language learner (ELL) students do not participate in school-sponsored music ensembles (band, orchestra, choir) at the same rate as native English speakers. To further test this hypothesis this analysis used nationally-representative data on tenth grade students to estimate five separate fixed effects and mixed effects models. Findings indicate that after accounting for the nesting structure of students within schools, ELL status doesn’t contribute significant variation beyond that accounted for by the control variables SES and academic achievement. In addition, variability in participation between schools is significant. Based on these results, I conclude that the differentially lower participation rates of ELL students are related more to the school they attend than the individual’s language status.

Author

• Julie Ann Lorah, University of Washington