"Learn English on Your Own Time": The Experience of English Learners in Catholic School

• In Event: 16.056 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.056-6 - English Language Learning for Diverse Populations in North America

Abstract

The negative experiences with public school systems, as well as access to public vouchers for low income families have driven many Latino families to enroll their children into “better performing” Catholic schools. This population shift poses particular challenges as many of these schools now serve children who are English language learners (Scanlan, 2008). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of Latino English Language Learners (ELL) in a Midwestern Catholic school in order to see how the school creates/supports their language experiences. The information presented in this study shows a different, and quite dismal, picture. Policies and practices in language acquisition are set into place to ensure that English Learners do not become academically successful.

Author

• Tatiana Joseph, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee