A study revisited.

Abstract

There are many advantages to becoming bilingual for students learning English as their new language. When English Language Learners (ELLs) begin to acquire a new language in public schools in the United States, they face many challenges that can negatively affect their academic achievement. In this thesis, the author chose to use the term Emergent Bilingual (EB) instead of English Language Learners (ELL), except in places referring to official legislation. EB was used as it emphasizes the students’ bilingualism rather than focusing on a proposed deficit in English language proficiency. The language practices and programs offered to EBs reflect upon the attitudes of the school personnel and broader community surrounding the school. The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of middle school personnel toward heritage language maintenance (HLM) for EBs. This study is also a replica of Capullo (2007). More specifically, this study examined the attitudes of middle school personnel toward EB students and HLM, Bilingual education, English Only and school level policies. The research question was: What are the current attitudes of middle school personnel towards HLM for EB students? Using a fifteen item five-point Likert scale attitude survey, data was collected from personnel in three rural middle schools in Chautauqua County, New York. The results of the study demonstrated that middle school personnel tend to have a positive attitude towards HLM for EB students.