The Effects of Research-Based Strategies on Reading Achievement among English Language Learners

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to examine the results of phonics-based instruction versus guided reading instruction on reading achievement among minority students who are English Language Learners. This study is important because it addresses the gap in the literature that does not target research-based reading instructional strategies that are effective for English Language Learners separate from those that are observed as effective in students whose primary language is English. Archival data were obtained from 86 elementary school English Language Learners in the second grade at two Georgia suburban schools. The instrument used in this study is the MAP test. With permission from the participant schools, data was obtained by reviewing previously submitted lesson plans and reviewing past MAP score reports. An Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) test was used to determine if there was a difference in reading achievement between English Language Learners who received guided reading instruction at the same frequency as phonics-based reading instruction as measured by Lexile scores acquired on the MAP test when controlling for the pretest. All assumptions of ANCOVA were tested and met, concluding that there is a significant difference between English Language Learners who received guided reading instruction at the same frequency as phonics-based reading instruction. Further research is recommended. Other recommendations include ensuring that English Language Learners receive guided reading instruction at the same frequency