English Language Learners

Link to research that examines the best strategies for teaching math and science, and learn more about policies that can improve the achievement of English language learners.


Click on an underlined topic.

Equity of culturally and linguistically diverse students in science education: Recommendations for a research agenda

State and district assessments as an avenue to equity and excellence for English language learners with disabilities

The effects of English language proficiency and scientific reasoning skills on the acquisition of science content knowledge by Hispanic English language learners and native English language speaking students

Reflections on the creation of professional learning communities: Multiple mirrors



Lee, Okhee. (2000). Equity of culturally and linguistically diverse students in science education: Recommendations for a research agenda. Paper presented at NISE Forum Panel: Content and Instructional Practices. Coral Gables, FL: University of Miami.
http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/archive/nise/News_Activities/Forums/Leepaper.htm

This paper includes a thorough review of research in multicultural approaches to science education in general and science education for ELL students. The author offers suggestions for further research in multicultural science education, including the necessity of involving teachers in the development of the knowledge base.

Thurlow, M., & Liu, K. (2001). State and district assessments as an avenue to equity and excellence for English language learners with disabilities. LEP Projects Report 2. Minneapolis, MN: National Center on Educational Outcomes.
http://education.umn.edu/nceo/OnlinePubs/LEP2.html

The authors look at state and district assessments and make recommendations to ensure ELL and LD learners can benefit from them.

Torres, H. N., & Zeidler, D. L. (2002). The effects of English language proficiency and scientific reasoning skills on the acquisition of science content knowledge by Hispanic English language learners and native English language speaking students. Electronic Journal of Science Education, 6(3).
http://unr.edu/homepage/crowther/ejse/torreszeidler.pdf

This study has two objectives: to examine the effects of English language proficiency on the acquisition of science content knowledge by Hispanic English language learners and to investigate the effects of scientific reasoning skills on the acquisition of science content knowledge by Hispanic English language learners and native English language-speaking students.


Westbrook, J., & Hord, S. (2000). Reflections on the creation of professional learning communities: Multiple mirrors. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. http://www.sedl.org/pubs/cha97/mirrors.pdf

This report includes seven stories about schools that developed professional learning communities. All the schools served diverse and underserved populations, and each story includes reflections on the experience.