The Condition of Education and National Center for Education Statistics Survey Data on English Language Learners

• In Event: Informing Public Scholarship on Multilingual and English Language Learners: Understanding Federal Education Policies and Data

Abstract

After a brief overview of the Condition of Education, a congressionally-mandated annual report, and surveys collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the present will discuss the definition used by NCES surveys for ELLs when the data are not already flagged by schools/districts. Then, highlights of NCES data on ELLs presented in the Condition of Education will be shared, such as ELL participation rates in programs which include English as a second language (ESL), high intensity language training, and bilingual Education. In 2011-12, there were 1.4 million public school students in ELL programs representing 23.2 percent of public school students. The location and density of ELL participation in public schools in 2011-12 have been mapped to show eight states having 10 percent or more public school students who were ELLs: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, and Texas. After presenting survey data on ELLs , the presenter will discuss a sample of survey questions such as those administered as part of the School and Staffing Survey (SASS) which will be replaced by the National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS). Questions include counting the number ELLs or limited English proficient (LEP) students, use of the student’s native language to teach subject-matter courses, and providing interpretation services or translating printed materials for parents. The teacher questionnaire asks about pre-service certification and the quantity and quality of in-service training related to teaching LEP or ELLs. The presenter will conclude by discussing some of the upcoming changes in NCES surveys and programs.

Authors

• Amy D Yamashiro, National Center for Education Statistics

• Linda Hamilton, U.S. Department of Education