English Language Learners' Language Growth in Texas Charter and Traditional Public Schools

• In Event: 29.082 - Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: 29.082-5 - Developing Language Proficiency in Multilingual Settings

Abstract

The number of Texas charter school students, including English language learners (ELLs), has grown rapidly over the last two decades. In this study, we examined how well Texas charter schools address ELLs’ language learning needs compared to traditional public schools. Using a growth hierarchical linear model, we compared the longitudinal performance of K-2 charter and public school ELLs in terms of their passing the basic level of reading and writing on the state English language assessment. Public schools had higher percentages of ELLs at beginning levels in reading and writing starting at kindergarten. Compared to charter schools, public schools were able to improve ELLs’ reading and writing performance at a higher rate.

Authors

• Shifang Tang, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Kara Sutton-Jones, Texas A&M University - College Station

• David Daniel Jimenez, Texas A&M University