34.054 - Washington State: Investigating Outcomes and Experiences of Bilingual and English Learner Students and Programs

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This session brings together recent equity-driven quantitative and qualitative research studies investigating the academic outcomes, experiences, policies, and programs aimed at supporting English learner (EL) students in Washington State. As a “new immigrant destination” (The Pew Charitable Trust), Washington State’s growing EL student population has received relatively less research attention than the traditional immigrant gateway states of California and Texas. Given that state and local context and mandates dictate much of what happens at the school level, where ELs receive these supports, research focused on a particular state is necessary to inform effective reform. This session will grapple with the overarching idea of what is meant by “equal educational opportunity” for Washington State’s culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Bilingual Education Research

Chair

• Rebecca M. Callahan, The University of Texas - Austin

Papers

• Advanced Course Enrollment and Performance Among English Learners in Washington State - Havala Hanson, Education Northwest

• Assessing the Impact of Washington State's Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program - Alec Kennedy, University of Washington

• High School English Language Learner (ELL) Teachers and the Implementation of ELL Program Policy - Aliza Fones, University of Washington

• Teaching to Learn: Developing English Learner (EL) Instructional Practice in a Shifting EL Policy Context - Thad Williams, University of Washington

Discussant

• Ilana Marice Umansky, University of Oregon