Elementary Spanish-Speaking English Learners Improve in Comprehension With Text Structure Instruction on the Web

• In Event: 16.053 - Research in Reading and Literacy SIG II

Abstract

Spanish speaking English language learners have shown poor performance on high-stakes assessments on reading comprehension skill (NAEP, 2015). The text structure strategy has shown positive results on comprehension outcomes in many research studies. Strategy instruction on the web for English learners (SWELL) presents text structure strategy instruction designed to accommodate the linguistic and comprehension needs of Spanish speaking ELs in grades 4, 5, and 6. A randomized controlled study with pre and posttests was conducted with students in grades 4,5, and 6. Results show moderate to large-effects favoring the students in the SWELL classrooms over the business as usual control classrooms on important measures such as a standardized reading comprehension test, main ideas, and cloze tasks.

Authors

• Kausalai K. Wijekumar, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Bonnie J. F. Meyer, The Pennsylvania State University

• Pui-Wa Lei, The Pennsylvania State University

• Anita C. Hernandez, New Mexico State University

• Andrea Beerwinkle, Texas A&M University - College Station