Predictors of English Proficiency Growth Among Newcomer Immigrant Students

• In Event: Opportunities to Bolster Academic Trajectories for Underserved Students

Abstract

This study examines English proficiency trajectories among newcomer immigrant students in an urban school district. On the state English assessment, newcomer students show faster growth rates in earlier years and slower growth rates in later years. However, only 10% of newcomers reclassified from being an English Learner to English proficient. While there was a steady decline in the percentage of ESL courses taken over time, newcomer students’ performance in English courses did not change the longer they were enrolled in the district. Finally, attending a newcomer program was a significant predictor of students’ growth trajectories. Specifically, newcomer program attendees had higher English proficiency levels in earlier years and their rates of decline in the percentage ESL courses taken were steeper.

Authors

• Brian Holzman, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Jasmin Lee, Rice University
  Presenting Author

• Aimee Chin, University of Houston
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kalena Cortes, Texas A&M University
  Non-Presenting Author