Factors that challenge English learners and increase their dropout rates: recommendations from the field

ABSTRACT

This descriptive study surveyed the perceptions of teachers, counselors, and administrators on issues pertaining to school services and academic and instructional challenges of English Learners (ELs) in NYC public high schools. This study attempted to identify factors that increase the dropout rate of high school English learners. In addition, this study sought to identify school services, if any, provided to ELs that improve academic and learning success. A list of recommendations is provided for all stakeholders.

KEYWORDS:

• English learners
• drop-out rate
• instructional challenges
• high school

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Diane Rodriguez

Diane Rodriguez is a Professor at Fordham University, School of Education. Her research is at the intersection of special education, bilingual education, and the academic development of culturally and linguistically diverse students. Dr Rodríguez has been an invited speaker at national and international conferences on Special Education and Bilingual Education. Univision selected her as an example of ‘Orgullo de Nuestra Comunidad,’ highlighting individuals who give back to the community in recognition of her work with individuals with disabilities. She has published extensively in journals and is the co-author of The Bilingual Advantage (Teachers College Press). She is the founder of Every Girl is Important, a non-for-profit organization to educate and empower young girls.

Angela Carrasquillo

Angela Carrasquillo is a Claudio Aquaviva Distinguished Professor and Emeritus Professor at the Fordham University Graduate School of Education. She is nationally known in the area of second language and bilingual education and has published extensively in these areas.

Eva Garcia

Eva Garcia is the Executive Director of the Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network.

Diane Howitt

Diane Howitt is a resource specialist of the Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network.