I had many interesting articles delivered through Google Alerts this week, however I chose to focus on "English learners graduating from high school, but not going to college like peers," from Statesman Journal. This article caught my eye because of recent discussions among our ESL department regarding the new federal "Opt-Out" regulation. Under this regulation, school districts must notify parents of the option of being able to opt their child out of the ESL program. Our high school ESL teachers are concerned of some possible negative effects if students choose this option. Many of their high school ESL students do not want ESL on their transcript because they fear that it will harm their chances of getting into the university that they want. The teachers are concerned that many students will choose the opt-out option solely because of their desire to attend college.
"While staying in those programs appears to help students graduate from high school in five years at higher rates than the state average, it has its drawbacks. English language learners who stay in the programs aren't going to college as frequently as their peers who leave the programs before graduation," (Pate; June 29, 2017). After reading this, a thought popped into my head: Are these students not applying to college because they fear they will not be accepted due to the fact that they are English Learners? Maybe that thought is complete off, however it definitely could be a lack of confidence which is causing this gap.
Pate, Natalie. "English Learners Graduating from High School, but Not Going to College like Peers." Statesman Journal. Statesman Journal, 30 June 2017. Web. 02 July 2017.
Students not going onto college or not being accepted to college because they are English language learners never even crossed my mind. This was such an interesting read. I hope that students' and parents' are able to benefit from the ESL programs offered and at the same time be able to reach for those higher education goals. This statistic is one that really needs to change.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I just learned about the opt out option at our ESL meeting in the end of June. At the elementary level, my team does not foresee this being too much of an issue. However, the points that you brought to light can really persuade students and families to opt out. I wonder if universities really turn down students that have ESL on their transcript?!
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