ERIC Number: ED657617
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 144
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3828-0392-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Exploring the Current Reality of Supporting Multilingual Learners in Greater Minnesota: Bridging Practice and Policy to Plan Forward
Amanda Lee Tegels
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Bethel University (Minnesota)
The purpose of this study was to understand the current reality of multilingual learner supports in schools in Greater Minnesota and align that current reality with the Minnesota Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act in order to make recommendations at the local level and advocate at a greater scale. This was an exploratory case study of a school district in Greater Minnesota that included semi-structured interviews, district documents, and publicly available student data. The Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) was used as the theoretical framework to understand the current reality of the district which was then aligned with the Minnesota LEAPS Act. Based on this alignment, some potential local shifts were explored including creating district policies, building cultural proficiency, and implementing bilingual seals. Furthermore, it was recommended to be helpful to shift perspectives on English Language (EL) instruction toward integration of language and content as well as to create structures for strategic collaboration between EL and classroom teachers. The study suggested that districts may also consider expanding the use of EL student profiles and expanding the Language Instruction Education Program (LIEP) to include early learners. Additionally, it was recommended that the district create an initiative around family and community engagement, including multilingual families, and intentionally gather feedback annually. Finally, exploration of the current system of support and teacher perspectives brought to light themes for which to advocate on a greater scale including resources, time, and training. These were explored in more detail within the study. This work is dedicated to the K-12 teachers and administrators who are working tirelessly to support and enrich the lives of their students and to the multilingual learners who are navigating systems that were not built for them. I hope that we can continue to learn and grow together. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Multilingualism, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, School Districts, Alignment (Education), Educational Policy, Cultural Awareness, Student Personnel Services, Elementary Secondary Education, Teacher Collaboration
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A