An Equity Perspective on Out-of-School Enrichment for Newcomer and Immigrant Youth

• In Event: 69.057 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 69.057-12 - Undocumented and First-Generation Youth Experiences

Abstract

This paper is based on a study of English Language Learner (ELL) Enrichment Academies in New England that supported English language fluency and comprehension of middle and high school ELLs through summer programming. In 2014, twenty school districts implemented four-week summer academies serving a total of 1679 middle and high school students--many of whom were newcomers, refugees or immigrants. Focusing on the qualitative findings from six site visits, we highlight how these summer academies created successful learning environments for ELLs through culturally responsive curricula, community partnerships and other enrichment programming. In this paper we discuss cross-cutting themes and implications for how school districts around the country could serve these populations of students in equitable ways.

Authors

• Ruth María Lopez, University of Houston

• Rosann Tung, Annenberg Institute for School Reform

• Sara McAlister, New York University

• Kerri A. Ullucci, Roger Williams University

• Vianna Alcantara, Annenberg Institute for School Reform

• Jaein Lee, Harvard University