ERIC Number: EJ1039007
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Dec
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 18
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-560X
Inquiry Science: The Gateway to English Language Proficiency
Zwiep, Susan Gomez; Straits, William J.
Journal of Science Teacher Education, v24 n8 p1315-1331 Dec 2013
This paper presents findings from a 4-year project that developed and implemented a blended inquiry science and English Language Development (ELD) program in a large urban California school district. The sample included over 2,000 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Participating students' English and science achievement was compared to a similar group of students who were using the district's established English language development curriculum. Student performance on state mandated English and science assessments were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests for overall performance and by number of years of treatment. Modest but statistically significant improvement was found for students who participated in the blended program. Results from this study suggest that restricting instructional minutes for science to provide additional time for ELD and English language arts may be unnecessary. Rather, allowing consistent time for science instruction that incorporates ELD instruction along with inquiry science experiences may provide the authentic and purposeful context students need to develop new language without restricting access to science content.
Descriptors: Language Arts, Science Instruction, Urban Schools, School Districts, Science Achievement, English (Second Language), Science Tests, Achievement Tests, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Teaching Methods, Language Tests, Language Proficiency, Elementary Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: Mann Whitney U Test; California

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