September 24, 2024 | Language Magazine

English learners (ELs) are the fastest-growing demographic in US public schools. Migration to industrialized nations like the US will continue to drive that growth. By 2031, 72% of jobs in the US will require postsecondary education or training.2 English is...

September 3, 2024 | KQED

When global events unfold, the ripple effects often land in unexpected places—like a classroom in Oakland, California. Increased refugee resettlement, immigration at the U.S. southern border and the buses sent by Texas to cities like New York have created a...

October 19, 2020 | The Hunt Institute

English learners, like their peers, have lost a large portion of instructional time due to the rapid shift to online learning caused by COVID-19. However, data indicates that the digital divide amongst underserved students, including English learners, has led to...

California’s K–12 students struggled on the new statewide Smarter Balanced assessments (SBAC) last year. The results highlight the challenges facing students and teachers as the state shifts to computer-based tests on new curricula with higher standards for achievement. Disadvantaged groups...

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Summary

New research into the substantial population of current and former English learners (ELs), making up 40% of California's public-school attendees, emphasizes the vital need for equitable policies promoting both English proficiency and academic success among ELs. The study explores effective strategies concerning EL reclassification, use of native language, core curriculum access, and assessment. The research sheds light on the average duration for reclassification from EL to fluent English proficiency, highlighting the potential benefits of bilingual education programs over English immersion regarding reclassification rates. Researchers advocate for alignment between reclassification criteria and English proficiency constructs, stressing the importance of coordinated services during the EL and Fluent English Proficient (FEP) stages. Additionally, the study underscores the positive impact of bilingual education and dual immersion programs on EL academic outcomes while emphasizing the necessity for fair assessment accommodations, acknowledging potential biases in standardized tests and the significance of tailored accommodations for EL students. This comprehensive approach aims to guide policymakers and educators toward diverse policies and services for enhancing EL academic achievements.

October 22, 2015 | The Californian

California's 1.4 million English Learner children are often pigeon-holed and trapped for years in a school system that also impedes their academic progress and blocks their path to college. That’s the conclusion of a report released this week and published...