Elementary Content Teacher Perceptions Regarding Their ELL Instructional Practices

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the instructional practices of elementary English language learner (ELL) teachers and how those practices are perceived by the teachers to be aligned with improved ELL academic performance. The study is grounded in Ladson-Billings’ theory of culturally relevant pedagogy, which holds that student academic achievement and cultural identity should be affirmed. The research questions focused on exploring instructional practices used by teachers to support ELL learning and the teachers’ perceptions of how their practices are aligned with improved ELL academic performance. The qualitative descriptive study was limited to three elementary schools in an Eastern school district. We analyzed data from lesson plans and semistructured interviews with nine general education teachers who taught in an elementary school in the geographical area. Using a priori, open, and axial coding, we analyzed data from lesson plans and semi-structured interviews with nine elementary school general education teachers who taught in a school in the geographical area. The findings demonstrated that positive strategies for cooperative learning and varied instructional practices were in use, but there is a need to build culturally appropriate and collaborative relationships with teachers of speakers of other languages and create a welcoming learning atmosphere for ELLs. A policy recommendation paper was developed to improve ELL pedagogy in content classes. Improved instruction for ELLs will contribute to positive social change by increasing ELL students’ academic achievement