Unlocking Learning: Science as a Lever for English Learner Equity

Author: Feldman, S. and Malagon, V.F.
Organization: The Education Trust-West
Year Published: 2017

Based on in-depth site visits and featuring real world examples of high-performing schools, high-quality professional development, and innovative classroom practices, this report from Ed Trust West lays out a blueprint for increasing access and achievement in science for California's 1.37 million English learners. Key takeaways of the report include that weaving together science and language development (particularly through the Next Generation Science Standards) can increase students' academic performance in reading, writing, and science simultaneously while allowing districts an opportunity to overhaul their approach to science education and language development. In addition, some promising practices are resulting in achievement levels that are double and even triple the state average for English learners who met or exceeded proficiency. The report concludes with district-level and state-level recommendations, along with a series of questions for community stakeholders to ask in their advocacy for closing English learner achievement gaps in science.

Citation

The Education Trust-West. (2017). Unlocking Learning: Science as a Lever for English Learner Equity. Oakland, CA: Feldman, S. and Malagon, V.F.