"I See More Improvement in Their Learning": An Investigation of Culturally Responsive Instruction and English Learners

• In Event: 47.048 - Exploring Opportunities and Challenges of Professional Development Models for Teachers of English Language Learners

Abstract

Research questions for this descriptive study are (a) What are changes in EL students’ achievement in reading and math during the year their teachers participated in professional development for CRI?; and (b) How do teachers experience CRI with their EL students? Elementary teachers (n=27) in four schools enrolled in an intensive professional development model designed to increase implementation of CRI participated in the study. Findings revealed the majority of EL students enrolled in classrooms of these teachers made greater than one year’s gains in reading and math achievement. Teachers’ interview responses related to CRI revealed major themes of improved classroom community for ELs, positive effects of student collaboration, and improved student learning for ELs.

Authors

• Pamela Correll, Missouri State University

• Victor Malo-Juvera, University of North Carolina - Wilmington

• Susan Cantrell, University of Kentucky

• Rebecca Powell, Georgetown College