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English Language Learner Survey Results

The Pennsylvania English Language Learner (ELL) Task Force recently conducted a survey of educators in order to identify areas of need in public education for ELLs. More than 200 educators throughout the state responded, including administrators, general education teachers, and ESL teachers. The results of the survey, along with PSSA data and analysis, were presented to the PA Department of Education.

Some noteworthy findings include:

Many of the neediest ELLs (Levels 1 and 2) receive less than one hour of English language instruction daily, which is less than the recommended minimum for the most proficient ELLs.
77% of respondents reported that their district provided little or no professional development specifically relating to the needs of ELLs.
45% of respondents reported that ESL teachers and general education teachers spent no time during the week collaborating about the needs of ELLs.

The full presentation is attached below.

What is the greatest need for ELLs in your school or district? Tell us about it here!

Tags: ELL, English, Force, Task, language, learners, survey

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Attachments:

ELL Educator Survey Presentation 5 23 12 FINAL.pdf, 825 KB

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Permalink Reply by Carolina Kelley on June 18, 2012 at 12:27pm

Interesting results but sadly true.

In my limited experience as an ESL teacher (it's my first year), I realize that ELLs need teachers who are trained to teach them. They need teachers who are willing to work with them and know about different teaching practices, such as culturally responsive teaching. That requires money and time.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Min on June 18, 2012 at 12:41pm

Thanks so much for your comments, Carolina. You're absolutely right -- having teachers who are trained to work with ELLs seems to be the key here, but the investment of time and resources needed to achieve this presents a huge challenge.