English Learner Students and College Access in the United States: 30-Year Evidence From NCES Longitudinal Studies

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: College Access and Minoritized Populations

Abstract

English learner (EL) students are among the fastest-growing school-age population in the U.S. However, a considerable college enrollment gap exists between EL and non-EL students. This study investigates how EL students’ college access outcomes and learning contexts have evolved over the past three decades within the national backdrops and policy shifts. The study analyzed the three most recent NCES secondary school longitudinal studies that include educational surveys and records of students, parents, and educators. Findings demonstrate that the achievement gap has remained wide between EL and non-EL students. EL students have faced challenges from multilevel contexts in their access to college. The study provides implications for different educational stakeholders about effective practices that assist EL students’ high school-to-college transition.

Author

• Lei Jiang, North Dakota State University