Date of Award
Summer 6-19-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in School Leadership
Department
Teaching & Educational Leadership
College
College of Education and Health
Committee Chair
Dr. John Freeman
Second Committee Member
Dr. Steve Bounds
Third Committee Member
Dr. Tammy Woosley
Program Director
Dr. John Freeman
Dean of Graduate College
Dr. Sarah Gordon
Abstract
As the number of Arkansas English Language Learner students grows, Arkansas public schools grapple with how to best serve ESOL students. Questions surrounding this topic include which teachers are best equipped to serve ELLs, which schools are best suited to serve targeted ESOL programming, and what successful ESOL teachers perceive as best practices in the ESOL classroom. Little research exists analyzing student performance differences between bilingual and monolingual teachers. In addition, little research exists examining the impact of school performance on ELLs achievement. Lastly, more research is needed with Arkansas ESOL teachers to determine what practices they are using in the classroom.
This study examined student ELPA21 test results from 30 teachers working at eight Arkansas public school districts and school’s ESSA Index grade. In addition, the researcher interviewed seven successful ESOL teachers to determine teacher perceptions of successful ESOL practice. Quantitative data analysis of the ELPA 21 scores and school ESSA grades revealed no relationship between student performance based on languages spoken by the teacher or school ESSA grade. Qualitative data analysis of the teacher interviews revealed three common themes perceived by the successful ESOL teachers; 1. Providing a safe, caring, and welcoming environment, 2. The importance of understanding a LEP student’s background/experiences, 3. The importance of parent communication and relationships.
Recommended Citation
Darley, Benjamin, "Teacher Effects on English Language Acquisition of English Language Learners in Arkansas Schools" (2024). ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present. 72.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/etds_2021/72