Lack of Preparation Programs for Teachers of ELLs

Abstract

This capstone project aims to support teachers, faculty and administrative staff who work closely with English Language Learners (ELLs). There is a great need for teachers who have background, training and/or knowledge when it comes to best supporting ELL students because of the growing student population group in the United States. A great deal of educators feel underprepared and anxious when it comes to working with students from diverse backgrounds, which is a direct result of their lack of proper training and education of working with ELLs. At the Long Beach School District, teachers are not provided with any professional development opportunities, training or teacher preparation programs regarding working with ELLs, ultimately resuling in teachers having negative feelings and beliefs when working with ELLs. Solutions to the problem at West Elementary School and within the Long Beach School District include implementation of mandatory, paid professional development programs once every three months. Teachers will have the opportunity to connect with their colleagues and learn, implement and share best practices such as implementation of students' first language (L1) in the classroom and the use of ELL-specific lesson plan templates and creation of a culturally responsive classroom environment. Recommendations include incorporating additional school events, where families can become more involved in their children’s learning, and teachers can connect more with their students' families and home-lives.