Placement of Reclassified English Language Learners: General Education or Dual Language?

• In Event: 53.081 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 53.081-18 - Dual-Language Education

Abstract

Many educators strive to help ELLs develop sufficient English skills to be reclassified as English proficient so that they can be placed in general-education classrooms. But it remains unclear whether reclassified ELLs perform better academically in GE or dual language (DL) classrooms. Research was conducted to compare reclassified ELLs placed in GE and those continuing in DL classrooms on state tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. In both subjects, DL students outperformed GE students on two of four yearly test administrations, and for ELA averaged across the four, with single-test effects stronger in math than ELA. The results underscore the efficacy of continuing to use students’ first language in instruction following their reclassification as English proficient students.

Authors

• Audrey Figueroa Murphy, Saint John's University

• Bruce Torff, Hofstra University