Effects of ESL Curriculum on the College Enrollment and Choices of Hispanic Students

• In Event: 33.079 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 33.079-17 - Rural and Latino Student Experiences in Higher Education

Abstract

As the U.S. population becomes more heterogeneous, English Learners (ELs) comprise a larger share of students, and ultimately the labor market. However, first-generation students are less likely to graduate from college and tend to have lower earnings than natives. We ask three research questions to guide our analyses. First, do college enrollment choices differ among EL and non-EL students? Second, does participation in ESL influence the college decisions of ELs? Third, is there state variation in the influence of ESL on college decisions of ELs? Educational programs created specifically for ELs are needed to improve long-term educational and career opportunities, but if these programs hinder the life chances of ELs, then schools may need to re-evaluate the educational programming provided.

Authors

• Brian An, University of Iowa

• Liz Hollingworth, University of Iowa

• Weilin Chen, University of Iowa