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Anchorage School District English Language Learner(ELL)

Counselors Perceptions of Factors Contributing to an ELL Student Academic Success or

Failure

Natalia MejiaUniversity of Alaska Anchorage

College of Business and Public Policy PADM659- Capstone Project

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Problem Statement

Background Information

Literature Review

Methodology

Research Findings

Conclusions & Recommendations

Agenda:

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Obtain basic information about the ASD ELL Middle school and High school counselors

What are the ELL counselors perceptions of their students?

What factors contributes to an ELL student academic success or failure?

Intent of the study:

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The number of ELL students is increasing◦ 1979: 6 million ELL◦ 1999: 14 million◦ 8million increase in 20 years

Failure to complete High School:◦ 10 % of students of who spoke English at home◦ 31% of language minorities who spoke English◦ 51% of language minority students who spoke

English with difficulties

Background Information

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As May 2010, there were 87 languages spoken by ELL students.

53% of the ASD students were considered non-white.

Statistics provided by the ASD provide little insight into how these students are progressing and why.

Facts and data about ASD:

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Bilingual Education Act (1967)

No Child Left Behind (2001)

Literature show ELL students still perform lower than mainstream students.

Literature Review:

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Structured and semi-structured interviews◦ 11 ASD ELL Counselors◦ 4 Middle schools and ◦ 7 High Schools

Key Informants interview

Informed Consent

Methodology - Interviews

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Research Findings:

45% of the counselors received specialized

training prior employment while 54%

did not.

18% had significantly less63% has less students18% had the same amount

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Research Findings:

9% very accurate45% accurate27% neither accurate nor inaccurate18% inaccurate

Time spent with students (Median)

Middle School: 195 min.High School: 45 min.

36% said they had enough time63% said they did not

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Research Findings:

45% Lower involvement45% Same involvement9% Higher involvement

In Anchorage:11% significantly lower66% lower22% same

Ethnic community:10% significantly higher90% higher

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Research Findings:

45% Same graduation rates

54% lower graduation rates

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1. Support from family and school

2. High Expectations from teachers and challenging curriculum

3. Parent Involvement

4. Prior Ed. Background and knowledge of their primary language

5. Student motivation and resilience

Counselors perceptions of factors that help students succeed:

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1.Lack of connection to school

2. Poor attendance

3. Lack of knowledge of their primary language

4. Lack of support from family and school

5. Failure to acculturate

Counselors perceptions of factors that contribute to a students failure:

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Lack of specialized training

H.S. counselors spend more time with students (smaller caseloads)

Weak school support

High expectations from school

Uneven parental and community support

Conclusions:

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Establish minimum requirements of experience/training for ELL counselors

Provide students as much support as possible

Positively utilize the student ethnic culture

Have high expectations and challenging curriculum

Help create a connection between the student and the school

Help a student acculturate to the American culture and school system

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Recommendations:

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Any Questions???

Thank you,