English Learners: Redefining Education in America

Abstract

Schools have the responsibility to create opportunity and develop noble citizens to support the growth of our nation. Since the birth of our country, a school's primary purpose has been to provide a valuable educational program for every student who enters their system. However, as our world changes and cultures continue to interconnect, providing that valuable educational program is increasing in complexity. It also requires educators to rethink their definition of teaching and learning. English Learners (ELs) are a group who bring many assets to schools: diversity, culture, language, experience, and hope for a better life. However, ELs continue to stretch the boundaries of school systems due to their unique academic and language needs. Moreover, ELs are the fastest-growing and most diverse population in schools. The state of California leads the nation with 21% of the population classified as EL . This capstone aims to address the central question: Given limited resources and an established system, how do schools provide an exceptional educational program to ELs? This capstone aims to address the central question through a strategic project conducted in a rural school district, kindergarten through eighth grade, within California's Central Valley. The capstone considers several elements in the areas of adaptive leadership, change management, improvement science, EL state policy, and instruction. Furthermore, the capstone offers several recommendations in the aspects of leadership, the public school system, and the State Department of Education.