The purpose of this experimental study was to examine the impact of English language learner (ELL) instructional extension strategies on African American K-2nd grade students with low-literacy proficiency. DIBELSO 8th edition literacy assessment for K-2nd grade was used to determine literacy proficiency during the study. The study included 74 participants from three K-8 schools in a North Central United States urban school district. Participants were randomly assigned to two different groups. Over the course of four weeks, one group experienced literacy curriculum content during RTI learning time using ELL instructional extension strategies, while the other group was taught using non-ELL instructional extension strategies. At the end of the study, the researcher gave all K-2nd grade participants a DIBELSO 8th edition literacy assessment post-test. The pre- and post-DIBELSO 8th edition assessment data were analyzed using an independent samples t-test and two one-way ANCOVA analyses. Based on the findings, there was no significant difference in literacy proficiency between African American K-2nd grade students with prior schooling experiences and those without prior schooling experiences. There was no significant difference in literacy proficiency between male and female participants while controlling for literacy proficiency pre-test scores. There was a significant difference in literacy proficiency between African American K-2nd grade students with low-literacy proficiency who experienced ELL instructional extension strategies and those who did not while controlling for literacy proficiency pre-test scores. The results of this study support the findings present in the literature. School decision-makers are encouraged to consider ELL instructional strategies as an instructional approach to further the reading proficiency of African American students with low-literacy proficiency. [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.]