Study examines the time it takes to become proficient in English

Study examines the time it takes to become proficient in English 
This study from the Institute of Education Sciences examined how long it typically takes English learner students to become proficient in English and how this time differs by student characteristics such as gender, home language, or initial proficiency in English. The authors analyzed state data for nearly 17,000 English learner students who entered kindergarten between 2005/06 and 2011/12 in seven cohorts in Washington State. Key findings included:
  • Students who entered kindergarten as English learner students took a median of 3.8 years to develop the English proficiency necessary to be reclassified as former English learner students.
  • English learner students entering kindergarten with advanced English proficiency were more likely to be reclassified in their first eight years of school than those entering with basic proficiency (which includes beginning and advanced beginning) or intermediate proficiency.
  • Female English learner students were more likely than male English learner students to be reclassified in their first eight years of school.
  • Speakers of Chinese, Vietnamese, or Russian or Ukrainian (combined) were more likely to be reclassified in their first eight years of school than speakers of Somali or Spanish.
The authors hope this information can help to identify students who may take longer to reach proficiency and therefore may need additional support. Also, they say the information can help inform assessment and accountability systems and help establish targets that take specific factors, such as English proficiency at entry to kindergarten, into account.

Johns Hopkins University 

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