Individualized Language Plans: A Content Analysis of English Language Development Goals

• In Event: Transforming Policy for Equity: International Perspectives on Inclusive Multilingual Education

Abstract

Individualized Language Plans (ILPs) are documents that outline a tailored approach to supporting the English language proficiency of multilingual learners (MLs). ILPs have emerged in across the United Statues as a mechanism for improving the quality of language programs provided to MLs. Despite their increasing use, there is a dearth of research, investigating ILPs. Addressing this gap, this content analysis study examined the contents, specifically the language goals, from 103 ILPs. The findings documented how the goals often focused on standardized ELP assessment scores, broad domains of language, and nebulous or irrelevant skills. With these foci, the language goals often did not possess the characteristics of high quality goals but instead replicated the shortcomings long-documented in IEP’s measurable annual goals.

Authors

• Sara E.N. Kangas, Lehigh University

• Dylan Young, Lehigh University

• Xiaodi Li, Lehigh University