Effective Models to Improve Student Engagement and Academic Success for English Learners across the US

English Learners (ELs) constitute a significant portion of the student population in the United States. Policymakers are continually challenged to implement educational practices that are effective in promoting student engagement and the academic success for ELs. The following article presents various models and practices that have proven successful, supported by real stories and examples from both school and district levels.

Dual Language Programs (DLPs)

One of the innovative methods to foster bilingualism and biliteracy is through Dual Language Programs. For instance, the Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model has been implemented in some Texas districts. This model pairs students collaboratively, allowing them to learn through both languages. In schools where this model was applied, students showed marked improvement in language proficiency and academic performance, reflecting the real-world impact of DLPs.

The Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model is an innovative approach to bilingual education that emphasizes collaboration, integration, and enrichment. It seeks to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural awareness, and its characteristics can be broken down into several key aspects:

1. Bilingual Pairs and Collaboration

The model encourages students to work in pairs or groups, wherein one student may be more proficient in English and the other in their native language. This fosters a collaborative learning environment where students assist and learn from each other. It helps to break down linguistic barriers, promoting communication and understanding.

2. Language of the Day/Week

This approach emphasizes structured immersion in both languages by designating specific days or weeks for instruction in each language. For example, English may be used exclusively on certain days, while the students' native language might be used on others. This systematic exposure helps students grow comfortable in both languages, promoting true biliteracy.

3. Content Integration

The Gomez & Gomez model integrates content across different subjects, allowing students to apply their language skills in various academic contexts. By learning subjects like mathematics, science, or social studies in both languages, students develop a deeper comprehension and a broader linguistic repertoire.

4. Cultural Awareness

Beyond language acquisition, this model also emphasizes the integration of cultural elements. Understanding and respecting different cultures are essential, and the curriculum is often enriched with cultural themes, festivals, and activities. This fosters a sense of belonging and community among students of diverse backgrounds.

5. Family Involvement

Recognizing the role of families in education, the model promotes active family engagement. Schools often provide resources, workshops, and support to help families understand and participate in their child's bilingual education. This involvement ensures consistency and reinforcement of bilingual practices at home.

6. Assessment and Accountability

The Gomez & Gomez model supports ongoing assessment and accountability. Students' progress is monitored in both languages, allowing educators to identify areas for improvement and adapt instructional strategies as needed. It ensures that the program's goals are being met and that students are making satisfactory progress in both languages.

7. Professional Development for Educators

The success of the model is also dependent on the preparedness and commitment of educators. Teachers receive continuous professional development and training to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively implement the model.

The Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model is a multifaceted approach to bilingual education that integrates several key principles to foster collaboration, bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural understanding. Its characteristics focus on a holistic education that goes beyond mere language instruction, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that recognizes and leverages the diversity of its students. By involving not only students but also teachers and families, the model creates a cohesive and effective system that can have a profound impact on English Learners' academic and personal success.

Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) Practices

Understanding and embracing students' cultural backgrounds is a core tenet of CRT. Alaska's Native Cultural Standards stand as a notable example of this practice. By incorporating these standards into the curriculum, schools have created a more inclusive learning environment that recognizes and values the unique cultural heritage of Native Alaskan students. The increased engagement and success observed in these schools provide a powerful argument for integrating CRT into educational policy.

Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) is an approach that recognizes the importance of students' cultural backgrounds in their learning process. It aims to make educational settings more inclusive, equitable, and effective, particularly for diverse learners, including English Learners (ELs). Here are some of the critical components of CRT and their potential impact on student learning:

1. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

Teachers in a CRT framework are encouraged to understand and appreciate the cultural backgrounds of their students. This includes knowledge about traditions, values, communication styles, and other cultural nuances.

For English Learners, this awareness helps bridge the cultural gap, making the learning environment more welcoming and relatable. It fosters a sense of belonging, which can improve engagement and motivation, essential factors for successful learning.

2. Integration of Cultural Content in Curriculum

CRT goes beyond simple acknowledgment of diverse cultures; it integrates cultural themes, texts, and perspectives into the curriculum. This means that students' cultures are reflected in the materials they interact with daily.

English Learners see their culture represented in what they are learning, enhancing their connection with the content. This personal connection can lead to deeper understanding and retention, as students can relate to the material on a personal level.

3. Responsive Teaching Strategies

Teachers employing CRT adapt their teaching strategies to match the cultural learning styles of their students. This might involve using storytelling, collaborative learning, or other methods that resonate with the cultural norms of the students.

These tailored strategies cater to the specific learning preferences of English Learners, making instruction more effective and accessible. By aligning teaching methods with cultural norms, students are more likely to engage and succeed in their learning pursuits.

4. Building on Cultural Capital

CRT recognizes the cultural knowledge and skills that students bring to the classroom as valuable assets. Teachers leverage this "cultural capital" to enhance learning, connecting new content with students' existing knowledge.

English Learners, who might often feel marginalized due to language barriers, find their cultural background valued and utilized. This acknowledgment empowers them, boosting confidence and encouraging active participation in the learning process.

5. Family and Community Engagement

Engaging with families and communities is integral to CRT. Schools work to build relationships with parents and community members, recognizing their role in the educational process.

For English Learners, this collaboration creates a support system that extends beyond the classroom. Parents who feel connected to the school are more likely to support their children's education, enhancing learning outcomes.

Culturally Responsive Teaching offers a comprehensive approach that recognizes and utilizes the cultural diversity of students. For English Learners, the impacts of CRT are particularly profound, as they touch on aspects of identity, belonging, and empowerment. By weaving cultural understanding into the very fabric of education, CRT provides a pathway for more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences. It acknowledges that every student brings unique cultural riches to the classroom, and by harnessing those, we can create more resonant and impactful educational environments.

Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model

The SIOP model has been successful in making grade-level content more comprehensible for ELs. In Virginia, schools and districts have integrated language and content objectives, facilitating both language skills and academic success. The adoption of SIOP has led to better comprehension and achievement among ELs, offering a practical and effective strategy that can be adapted across different educational contexts.

The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) is a well-researched model specifically designed to make grade-level academic content more accessible to English Learners (ELs). This approach combines language development with content instruction, and its components and effectiveness are detailed below:

Features and Components of the SIOP Model

Lesson Preparation

• Alignment with Standards: Lessons are clearly aligned with academic and language standards.
• Adaptation of Content: Teachers adapt content to suit the varying proficiency levels of ELs.
• Use of Supplementary Materials: Various visual aids and manipulatives are used to support understanding.

Building Background

• Connection to Students' Experiences: Lessons are linked to students' background knowledge and experiences.
• Clear Explanation of Concepts: Concepts are explained clearly and connected to students' prior understanding.

Comprehensible Input

• Appropriate Speech: Teachers use speech appropriate to the students' proficiency levels.
• Clear Explanation & Modeling: Concepts are explained, demonstrated, and modeled to aid understanding.

Strategies

• Scaffolding Techniques: Varied techniques are employed to support and guide students toward understanding.
• Metacognitive Support: Students are encouraged to think about their thinking and use learning strategies.

Interaction

• Promoting Interaction: Opportunities for interaction are provided to practice language and content.
• Grouping Structures: Varied grouping strategies are used to foster collaborative learning.

Practice and Application

• Hands-on Materials: Engaging materials and resources are used to provide practice.
• Integration of Language Skills: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are integrated within content areas.

Lesson Delivery

• Content Objectives: Clearly defined and observable content objectives guide the lesson.
• Language Objectives: Language development is targeted alongside content learning.
• Engagement: All students are engaged 90%-100% of the period.

Review and Assessment

• Comprehensive Review: Regular reviews of key content and language concepts are conducted.
• Assessment: Ongoing and varied assessments ensure understanding and guide instruction.

Highlighting the Effectiveness of SIOP: Research Findings

Several research studies have validated the effectiveness of the SIOP model, especially in the context of English Learners.

• Increased Academic Performance: Research by Echevarria, Vogt, and Short (2008) found that students taught with the SIOP model showed significant improvements in reading and science.
• Improved Language Proficiency: Studies have also demonstrated growth in language skills, with ELs making substantial progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Enhanced Teacher Competence: Professional development in SIOP has been found to improve teachers' ability to integrate language and content, leading to more effective instruction (Echevarria & Graves, 2007).
• Positive Impact on Engagement: Implementation of SIOP has been associated with increased student engagement and motivation, leading to a more enriched learning experience.

The SIOP model offers a comprehensive and well-structured approach to making content accessible to English Learners. Its clear components and strategic focus on both language and content have made it a valuable tool in diverse educational settings. Research on its implementation has consistently shown positive impacts on academic achievement, language development, teacher competence, and student engagement. Thus, SIOP stands as a robust, evidence-based model that can significantly contribute to the success of English Learners.

The above models and examples from both school and district levels offer valuable insights for education policymakers. They reflect the multifaceted nature of education for English Learners, touching on linguistic, cultural, and academic aspects. By recognizing and adopting these proven practices, policymakers can create an environment where ELs across the nation are given the tools and support they need to succeed. A flexible, context-sensitive application of these models could pave the way for more equitable and effective education for all students, regardless of their linguistic background.

Learn More about Effective Practices to Support English Learners at the Empower Your English Learners! Podcast from CREATE Solutions, LLC.