ERIC Number: EJ1259093
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jul
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: N/A
Early Elementary Grade Dual Language Learners from Spanish-Speaking Homes Struggling with English Reading Comprehension: The Dormant Role of Language Skills
Mancilla-Martinez, Jeannette; Hwang, Jin Kyoung; Oh, Min Hyun; McClain, Janna Brown
Journal of Educational Psychology, v112 n5 p880-894 Jul 2020
This study investigated contributors of English reading comprehension outcomes among predominantly U.S.-born 1st- and 3rd-grade (N = 73) dual language learners (DLLs) from Spanish-speaking, low-income homes who attend English-only instructional schools in the Southern region of the United States, which is experiencing historic rates of school-age DLL enrollment. We investigated the utility of various conceptualizations of vocabulary, namely English-only, Spanish-only, and specifically Spanish-English conceptually scored receptive vocabulary, in understanding DLLs' reading comprehension. We first examined whether a gap was evident between the various conceptualizations of vocabulary and English word reading. Then, using structural equation modeling, we investigated the influence of the various conceptualizations of vocabulary on English reading comprehension, accounting for English word reading skills. Finally, we examined the potential contributions of DLLs' home language environments. Results revealed that the gap between English word reading and vocabulary varied as a function of the conceptualization of vocabulary. Further, English word reading emerged as the robust contributor to children's English reading comprehension, with no significant influence of receptive vocabulary, regardless of how it was conceptualized. Finally, and contributing to a nascent area of research, attention to DLLs' home language use practices suggests that the productive language domain (i.e., children's own home language use) may represent an important contributor to English reading comprehension among DLLs from Spanish-speaking homes. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Bilingualism, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Spanish, Structural Equation Models, Vocabulary Development, Reading Processes, Reading Comprehension, Low Income Groups, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Receptive Language, Family Environment, Language Usage, Expressive Language, Intelligence Tests, Verbal Ability, Vocabulary, Native Language, Reading Difficulties
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 1; Primary Education; Grade 2; Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A