Exploring early reading instructional strategies to advance the print literacy development of adolescent SLIFE

Year Published:

Abstract

The research presented in this article examines the English language and print literacy development of adolescent refugee students with limited and interrupted formal education (SLIFE) aged 14 to 21. The aim of this research was to determine if and how teaching early reading strategies to secondary ESL/ELD teachers could improve students’ English language and literacy development. Specifically, teachers were taught to use guided reading and running records with leveled informational texts related to the students’ life experiences, background knowledge, and interests. Over five months, we tracked the English language and literacy development of 11 refugees in one ESL/ELD teacher’s class. Findings demonstrate that, on average, students achieved statistically significant gains in receptive and expressive vocabulary as well as total reading achievement. Students made an average gain of eight reading levels over one semester of instruction. The article also offers insights and growth made by the ESL/ELD classroom teacher.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What strategies are effective for English language acquisition in newcomer populations?

This evidence summary, authored by Switchboard, provides an overview of the current evidence on the effectiveness of various interventions for English language learning among newcomers. It addresses two crucial questions: Are there specific elements of English language acquisition programs for newcomer populations that are more effective or efficient than others? What role does technology play…

About this study

AGE: Children

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

OUTCOME AREA: Education

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2014

More STUDIES

Prevalence, determinants, and effects of food insecurity among Middle Eastern and North African migrants and refugees in high-income countries: A systematic review

Issues related to poverty and income inequality in high-income countries have led to food insecurity among some population groups, such as migrants and refugees. While there are some studies on the experience of some migrant groups (and other subpopulations), little is known about food security among Middle Eastern and African migrants and refugees. This systematic…

Links of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with food insecurity, poverty, and health: Evidence and potential

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a highly effective program, vital to our nation’s health and well-being. SNAP’s entitlement funding structure allows it to provide benefits to anyone who meets the program’s eligibility requirements, and this structure also enables SNAP to respond quickly when need increases. Research shows that SNAP reduces poverty for millions,…

Exploring neighborhood transformations and community gardens to meet the cultural food needs of immigrants and refugees: A scoping review

International migration is contributing to changes in the sociocultural and the economic landscapes of many cities in the world. As part of the changes in cities, we are witnessing an increased use of community gardens as spaces for wellbeing restoration, for social connection, and for addressing the challenge of food insecurity, particularly cultural food insecurity.…