Memphis Schools Challenged To Bridge Language Gap
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Bridging the Language Gap in Memphis Schools
Overview
Educators in Memphis schools are deeply concerned about the 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, which is due for renewal. A recent Scripps Howard poll found that two-thirds of Americans want this law either revised or repealed, with those most familiar with it being the most critical.
The Challenge
These sentiments resonate in Memphis schools. The NCLB Act aimed to increase accountability in public education, setting ambitious mandates that have put considerable pressure on local schools. One major challenge is the requirement for all students to achieve proficiency on state exams by 2014?"a tough standard for Memphis, which has a significant population of English Language Learners (ELLs).
The ELL Dilemma
ELL students in Tennessee generally score 40-50 percentage points lower in reading and 20-30 points lower in math compared to their white peers. As expected, students learning English as a new language face more hurdles than native speakers, and having to pass exams in English adds to the challenge. Language experts suggest it takes 5-7 years to become proficient in a new language, yet ELL students in Memphis are tested in English starting in 3rd grade.
Progress and Concerns
The 2006 Tennessee Report Card showed that a majority of ELL students in Memphis schools achieved proficiency in both math and reading. However, concerns persist about the achievement gap, which remains larger for ELL students than for other minorities both in Memphis and nationwide. The Pew Hispanic Center attributes this learning gap to several factors, including attendance at underperforming urban schools, minority or disadvantaged backgrounds, and the trauma of migration.
ELL Population and Support
Memphis has a large ELL population, partly due to the Catholic Resettlement Program, which brings many new residents to the city each year. Urban districts in Tennessee, such as Memphis, have around 6,700 ELL students and gain about 500 more annually.
Solutions and Initiatives
To address these challenges, Memphis schools are adopting various initiatives aimed at reducing class size, addressing teacher shortages, improving funding, and narrowing the achievement gap. An important program is the English as a Second Language (ESL) Summer Intervention Program. Some educators advocate for NCLB exemptions for ELL and special education students, while others believe in maintaining high standards to genuinely raise educational outcomes. Ultimately, any changes at the national level will significantly impact Memphis schools.
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