26.048 - Which Policies and Practices Promote Improved Outcomes for English Learners? Evidence From Large-Scale Quantitative Studies

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

English Learners (ELs) are a fast-growing segment of the U.S. student population. In addition to education policies affecting all types of students, ELs face a unique set of education policies intended to simultaneously facilitate their English language proficiency and academic content knowledge. The four papers in this symposium address several pressing EL policy topics, including teacher effectiveness, requirements for reclassification, and language of instruction. Each paper uses rigorous quantitative methods and large datasets to answer questions of EL policy relevance. Collectively, the papers suggest the important role that language support services play in promoting achievement and graduation for ELs. Using empirical evidence, the papers also suggest how to effectively target services and teachers to foster improved academic outcomes for ELs.

Sub Unit

• Division L - Educational Policies and Politics / Division L - Section 7: Social Policy and Social Context

Chair

• Joseph P. Robinson-Cimpian, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Papers

• Are Teachers of English Learners Equally Effective at Promoting Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing? - James Soland, Kingsbury Center at NWEA

• Altering Policies Regarding Reclassification Criteria Affects Achievement and Graduation Outcomes for English Learners - Joseph P. Robinson-Cimpian, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Karen D. Thompson, Oregon State University

• How Do Changes in the Language of Instruction and Classroom Composition Affect English Learners? - Cuky Perez, University of Washington; Alec Kennedy, University of Washington

• How Crucial Is English Language Learner Support in Kindergarten and First Grade for Spanish-Speaking Students' Math Learning? - Guanglei Hong, University of Chicago; Josh Gagne, University of Chicago

Discussant

• Howard Gary Cook, University of Wisconsin