English Language Learners (ELLs) face many obstacles in the classroom that can impede their education and academic progress, ranging from language barriers to cultural differences to clashing communication styles. Inclusive education plays a vital role in overcoming these challenges, with strategies like culturally responsive teaching to help educators foster an environment where ELLs can learn and thrive in any language.
Here, we’ll explore the impact of inclusive education for ELLs, the role of culturally responsive teaching in education, and the need for both as the ELL population in the US continues to grow.
Incorporating Inclusive Education in the Classroom
Inclusive education means providing all students, regardless of their linguistic background, with equal opportunities to learn and succeed. For ELLs, this approach is especially crucial because they often face greater challenges in school.
Unlike their native English-speaking peers, ELLs must navigate the complexities of learning a new language while simultaneously keeping up with academic content. This means they are essentially doing double the work: learning the language of instruction and mastering the subject matter.
Unfortunately, traditional classroom learning in the US does not accommodate the needs of ELLs and often places them in an ineffective sink or swim environment.
An article from theWisconsin English Journal written by teaching scholar Laura Baecher states: “One common misconception about working with ELLs is that simply immersing them in English will bring about language proficiency. This is problematic for two reasons: First, interaction between ELLs and native English-speaking students is usually very limited, and when it occurs, it is limited to brief exchanges. Second, interaction between ELLs and their peers does not provide the focus on academic language that is critical for learning.”
Therefore, incorporating inclusive education for ELL students should not be done solely via immersion; alternative approaches such as culturally responsive teaching should be considered.
Inclusive Education and Culturally Responsive Teaching
Making sure students feel comfortable in the classroom is essential for the long-term success of ELLs. To accomplish this, many instructors choose to implement culturally responsive teaching methods.
EducationWeek expands on this methodology in an article stating:
“Culturally responsive teaching means using students’ customs, characteristics, experience, and perspectives as tools for better classroom instruction. The term was coined by researcher Geneva Gay in 2000, who wrote that ‘when academic knowledge and skills are situated within the lived experiences and frames of reference for students, they are more personally meaningful, have higher interest appeal, and are learned more easily and thoroughly.’”
Some culturally responsive teaching techniques include:
- Implementing Multicultural Representation: Incorporating diverse, culturally relevant stories and examples in the curriculum and throughout the classroom can make learning more relevant and engaging for ELLs.
- Considering the Whole Student: Outside of language, recognizing and understanding the influence of a student’s lived experience due to their gender, race, socioeconomic background, and more can help educators buildstrong relationships with ELLs while creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Fostering Cultural Competence: Demonstrating a strong understanding and appreciation for students’ diverse cultures in the classroom enhances their ability to connect with and support each other.
Inclusive education and culturally responsive teaching often lead to significant improvements in ELLs’ academic achievement and overall social integration.
A recent study on culturally responsive instruction confirmed the effectiveness of culturally responsive teaching, reporting that “students of high implementers of the Culturally Responsive Instruction Observation Protocol (CRIOP) had significantly higher achievement scores in reading and mathematics than students of low implementers.”
The Need for Inclusive Education
Despite the scientifically backed benefits of inclusive education, many English Language Learners still encounter significant obstacles in traditional, non-inclusive educational environments. These challenges often stem from limited interaction opportunities with native English-speaking peers and a lack of emphasis on academic language development, both of which are crucial for their educational progress.
This results in poor academic performance for ELLs. According to a recent research brief from NWEA, “ELL students often have lower mean achievement test scores in reading and mathematics, higher dropout rates, and lower college attendance than their English-speaking peers. On average, ELLs perform below grade level in every subject tested for federal accountabilityand are twice as likely to drop out as their native English-speaking peers.”
The urgency for change lies in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of linguistic background—especially as the ELL population in the US continues to grow.
According to Baecher’s article, “The growing population of English language learners in the nation’s schools is not limited to states like New York, California, Texas, and Florida, where their numbers have been high for many years; now, Midwestern and Southeastern states are seeing the greatest increases.”
These trends have continued to accelerate over time, increasing the need for inclusive education. Considering this demographic shift and the growing discrepancies in ELL education, incorporating culturally responsive education practices that support ELLs in the classroom is more important than ever.
Making the Change
To support ELLs effectively, systemic changes are imperative in educational practices and policies. This includes widespread adoption of inclusive education strategies at all levels of schooling.
Educators and stakeholders can contribute to this transformation by:
- Raising awareness about the benefits of inclusive education
- Advocating for policy reforms that prioritize ELL support
- Engaging in professional development opportunities for culturally responsive teaching
Receiving state-specific endorsements or advanced degrees can also equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to create supportive learning environments for ELLs.
As part of our mission to advance social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, Antioch University aims to aid educators on their journey toward creating supportive learning environments for all.
To learn more about incorporating inclusive education strategies, receiving an ELL endorsement, or taking an ELL-centered teaching course, explore our education programs.
