Teacher support for language development and content mastery in English learning Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE)
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Mayra I. Hayes (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Carl Lashley
Abstract: English Learners (ELs) as a whole are a diverse group culturally, linguistically, and academically. The EL group contains a subgroup of students who are either immigrants or refugees and whose formal schooling has been interrupted, causing them to begin in U.S. schools with many academic challenges. Due to war, trauma, cultural beliefs, and residing in refugee camps, students with interrupted formal education (SIFE) often encounter significant gaps in their formal education, ranging from two to 10 years, depending on their age (DeCapua & Marshall, 2015; Gahungu, Gahungu, & Luseno, 2011; Hos, 2016). This qualitative study focused on the education of SIFE ELs based on three elements: program models, instructional practices, and strategies to promote social and emotional well-being. The data collection for this research study focused on interviews with educators, classroom observations, and student artifacts. Two EL teachers assigned to teach the middle and high school SIFE students, a principal, and a Curriculum Facilitator participated in this study. Findings revealed that teachers set high expectations for students and provided students with academic supports, strategies, and scaffolds. School administration expects that all teachers and staff make close connections to all the students and families, and the school administrator works with a local university to provide mental health services for students and families. Obstacles include time constraints mandated from the Office of Civil Rights that stipulate students are able to attend for one year, and the lack of specific professional development to target SIFE EL needs. Based on the findings, suggestions are given to support SIFE EL teachers and students.
Teacher support for language development and content mastery in English learning Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE)
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Created on 5/1/2019
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2019
- Keywords
- ELs, Formal Schooling, Interrupted Education, SIFE
- Subjects
- English language $x Study and teaching $x Foreign speakers
- Second language acquisition
- Teacher-student relationships
- Individualized instruction