The Role of Bilingual Language Proficiency in Reading Comprehension for Latino Dual Language Learners

• In Event: Dual Language Learners, English Learners, and Literacy Knowledge

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined the predictive validity of bilingual language proficiency, decoding, and oral reading fluency (ORF) skills in Spanish and English to predict reading comprehension (RC) within and across languages. Participants were 600 native Spanish-speaking students enrolled in Spanish/English bilingual programs in first and second grade. Results indicated (a) that bilingual language proficiency significantly predicted English and Spanish RC, (b) English and Spanish decoding gains in first grade significantly predicted English RC at the end of second grade, (c) English ORF initial status and gain and Spanish ORF gains significantly predicted English RC at the end of second grade, and (d) Spanish ORF initial status, and bilingual language proficiency significantly predicted Spanish RC at the end of second grade.

Authors

• Tim T. Andress, University of Texas at Austin

• Doris Luft Baker, University of Texas at Austin

• Yonghan Park, Chungnam National University