ESL placement and schools: Effects on immigrant achievement

Citation

Callahan, R.; Wilkinson, L.; Muller, C.; & Frisco, M. L. (2009). ESL placement and schools: Effects on immigrant achievement. Educational Policy. vol. 23 (2) pp. 355-384 , PMCID: PMC2898206

Abstract

In this study, the authors explore English as a Second Language (ESL) placement as a measure of how schools label and process immigrant students. Using propensity score matching and data from the Adolescent Health and Academic Achievement Study and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the authors estimate the effect of ESL placement on immigrant achievement. In schools with more immigrant students, the authors find that ESL placement results in higher levels of academic performance; in schools with few immigrant students, the effect reverses. This is not to suggest a one-size-fits-all policy; many immigrant students, regardless of school composition, generational status, or ESL placement, struggle to achieve at levels sufficient for acceptance to a 4-year university. This study offers several factors to be taken into consideration as schools develop policies and practices to provide immigrant students opportunities to learn.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0895904807310034

Keyword(s)

School

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Educational Policy

Author(s)

Callahan, R.
Wilkinson, L.
Muller, C.
Frisco, M. L.

Year Published

2009

Volume Number

23

Issue Number

2

Pages

355-384

DOI

10.1177/0895904807310034

PMCID

PMC2898206

Reference ID

944