ERIC Number: ED663648
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Nov
Pages: 49
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Leveling the Playing Field: Default Policy and Its Effects on English Learner Reclassification. EdWorkingPaper No. 24-1085
Caroline Bartlett; Joseph R. Cimpian; Madeline Mavrogordato
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Reclassification, the process by which English learner (EL) students exit EL classification, often determines ELs' access to mainstream academic coursework. While existing research finds that many students who demonstrate English proficiency do not reclassify, few studies evaluate policies that effectively reclassify eligible students. This study examines the impact of shifting reclassification responsibility from school districts to the state in Michigan. Using a difference-in-regression discontinuities design, we find that state-level responsibility increases reclassification rates by 35 percentage points compared to district-level responsibility. The effects are larger for Spanish speakers, indicating that state procedures may reduce linguistic bias. Our findings contribute to the literature on default policies in K-12 education and provide evidence on policies that promote equity in EL education.
Descriptors: English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Language Proficiency, Labeling (of Persons), Cluster Grouping, Elementary Secondary Education, Equal Education, Inclusion, State Regulation, State Standards, Board of Education Policy, Local Norms, School District Autonomy, Educational Policy
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: AISR_Info@brown.edu; Web site: http://www.annenberginstitute.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Identifiers - Location: Michigan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A