Effectively Supporting English Language Learners in the Classroom and on the Home Front

Abstract

Education has long been known as the “great equalizer.” However, all students have different needs; therefore, to provide a true opportunity for equalization, some students need more support in the classroom and at home. Furthermore, there is an ever-growing gap in achievement rates. Students with proficient English are performing at higher levels than those who come from homes speaking other languages. Therefore, it has become clear that in an effort to provide an English Language Learner (ELL) with a proper education, additional support will be required throughout the education process. Through this study, I provided additional support in the classroom as well as extra at-home resources for ELLs. As a reading specialist, I partnered with the classroom teachers and families to provide ELLs with need-specific instruction and meaningful resources. After providing additional services throughout the school year, the ELLs that I worked with all achieved benchmark levels according to school and state standards. There is still much growth to be had, but by providing extra support both in the classroom and at home, these students were able to not only make annual growth, but were able to make “catch-up” growth. Therefore, it is clear that by providing ELLs with additional support both at school and at home, education can be restored as the “great equalizer” as it will truly equip all students for successful living in our American society.