1. CASE STUDY PROJECT
1
David C. Adams Jr.
University of Southern California
EDUC 501
March 8, 2013
Dr. Michael Genzuk
2. Case Study 2
Abstract
This paper is an analysis of observations generated from high school field observations
including interviews of an ELL student (Level 3), his teacher and principal. Information was
accumulated representing background, demographics, methodology, limitations, relevant
language proficiency, and recommendations followed by a summary and conclusion to the
analysis.
3. Case Study 3
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the personal road of my observation student’s
journey through his academic development from L1 to L2 English proficiency. The student’s
obstacles, struggles and achievements will also be documented by noting the academic strategies
afforded to him both good and bad. The student whom will be identified as “Juan Carlos” was
chosen as he was identified as a 12th grade student of Hispanic origin from Mexico who entered
the United States as a first grader and has been identified as “Level 3” language proficiency.
With the California curriculum ELL students are ranked in language proficiency from 1 to 5 with
Level (1) representing: Beginning, Level (2) representing: Early Intermediate, Level (3)
representing: intermediate, Level (4) representing: proficient, and Level (5) representing: above
proficient (Appendix “A”). Interesting to note, Juan was an example of submersion in which he
was simply allowed to “sink or swim” from first grade through third grade receiving zero
translation assistance (Leyba, 2005).
Background of Student: Juan Carlos entered the United States from Mexico and entered
the first grade in 2001. Juan was born in Sacatecas Mexico and his family immigrated to find
work. His father Jose Carlos entered the United States three years earlier with $20.00 in his
pocket and would buy one hamburger to eat once every twenty-four hours. Jose was eventually
able to find work as a grocery stocker in a supermarket, save money and later send for his family.
Juan has two younger sisters, Alma 12 years of age and Merva 8 years of age. By the third grade
Juan had elevated his English language proficiency to Level (3). His most difficult subject was
math, not due to comprehension but due to learning sequential steps in Spanish schools prior to
entering the United States. It should be noted that his mathematical solutions to the equations
4. Case Study 4
resulted .in the correct answer however his American teachers were not satisfied with his
“transformation” process. Juan was quite frustrated with this situation but eventually accepted
the curriculum status quo.
Demographics: Demographics of the high school, Moreno Valley High are as follows.
Total students enrolled (2471), .002% American Indian, .047% Asian/Pacific Islander, 15.5%
Black, 73.2% Hispanic, .055% of two or more races, 1279 males, and 1192 female (see
Appendix “B”). 1901 students of the total 2471 receive free lunch and 248 receive reduced
lunch. Average class size is 26.8 English classes, 27.2 Math classes, 29.1 Social Science classes,
and 29.6 Science class. School technology consists of the following: 288 computers, 8.5 students
per computer and 99 classrooms with internet capability. Annual Measurable Objectives
(AMO’s) are the measured proficiency levels using the California Standards Tests and the
California high school Exit Exams are as follows:
English/Language Arts: MVHS District
Hispanic/Latino 33.2% 39.8%
English Learner 32.7% 37.6%
Socio-Economically 31.2% 36.1%
Disadvantaged (see Appendix “C”)
STAR: percent of students scoring at proficient or advanced levels. (See Appendix “D”)
MVHS District
English Language Arts 33% 46%
Mathematics 15% 39%
Science 32% 45%
History 30% 35%
5. Case Study 5
SAT Scores: Grade 12 SAT scores were as follows for 2010-2011 school year: 511
seniors, number tested 136, 26.61%, reading average 421, math average 433, and writing average
424.
ELL’s California Standards Test (CST) English language arts results (percent proficient
and above) 2010-2011: 32% MVHS, 42% district. (See Appendix “E”)
The City of Moreno Valley’s demographics:
Population: 197,838, persons under 5 years old: 8.4%, persons under 18 years old:
32.3%, person 65 years or older: 6.3%, White: 41.9%, Black: 18.0%, American Indian: .9%,
Asian: 6.1%, Native Hawaiian: .6%, persons of 2 or more races: 5.7%, Hispanic: 54.4%, White
persons not Hispanic: 18.9%. (See Appendix “F”)
Demographics of classroom: 26 students: 2 Asian (7.6%), 4 Black (15.4%), 20
Hispanics (76.9%), 12 male students (46%) 14 female students (54%). The teacher Sergio
Calderon is Hispanic and bilingual with 16 years of experience. Mr. Calderon teaches
Economics and History in English and in Spanish speaking only courses for ELL students.
Brief Methodology: As the need for ELL effective teaching techniques have become a
necessity and debates amongst the appropriate pedagogy have encountered “basic
disagreements” (Leyba, 2005), the methodology will focus on interviews of the student, teacher
and principal geared towards effective ELL instruction. More specifically, numerous interviews
were conducted on the observation student, teacher/classroom and one interview with the
principal to identify effective ELL instruction or adequate ELL assistance. In addition to the
interviews, the demographics of the school, city and classroom were examined via the
Department of Education and other data producing websites. A series of ELL themed questions
were also developed to present to the observation student, teacher and principal to identify
6. Case Study 6
similar themes (from the teacher and principal) in what was observed in contrast to the student.
The final step was an analysis of the series of interviews with a summarization of Juan’s
acknowledgement and confirmation of his educational journey to check for accuracy. (See
Appendix “H”).
Limitations: Limitations of the study were as follows:
- 50 minute interview limitations within the high school library.
- Unavailable parents for interviews due to both of Juan’s parents work schedule.
- Rushed interview by principal and frequently missed appointments.
- Limited time allocated by observation teacher who doesn’t believe in emails or
telephonic communication.
7. Case Study 7
Analysis:
Juan’s greatest motivation comes from reflecting on the sacrifices his parent’s made to
move to this country and how poor their family was while living in Mexico. Juan is determined
to make them proud! Juan has received numerous certificates that he presented to me. He has
five perfect attendance awards from first grade to the tenth grade, honor role fourth grade
through sixth grade and two language achievement awards. It should be noted that Juan’s
favorite class is finance and had numerous questions about the securities industry.
Relevant information about the student’s language proficiency and academic
achievement based on interviews from teachers and the principal are as follows. Juan’s teacher
Sergio Calderon stated that he is an enthusiastic, Level (3) proficient student that helps lower
proficiency students as an interpreter. Mr. Calderon also stated that Juan is a “B” student that
scored high in mechanics based on standard aptitude exams. Mr. Calderon picked Juan for my
observation study. It should be noted that in addition to Mr. Calderon conducting courses in both
English and Spanish, the school provides in-class tutors for non-bilingual instructors. In the
interview conducted with the principal Mr. Brough would not discuss Juan’s language
proficiency directly as he presently has only been with the school for eight weeks. However, he
did respond to the question regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the high schools ELL
curriculum. Mr. Brough pointed out that the schools current demographics show a 74% Hispanic
school population and that only 33% have scored as “highly proficient” but that is an increase of
1% from last year’s results (see Appendix “E”.) In addition, he noted that the present classroom
computers are antiquated and would like to upgrade each classroom to smart-boards which
provide English to Spanish translations of content information.
8. Case Study 8
Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations:
In Juan’s early years of exposure to the United States educational system, he was in a
program of submersion and first grade through the third grade were particularly difficult for him
when acquiring English language. Sociocultural exposure found him humiliated and rejected
due to his manner of speech and inexpensive clothing. Juan stated that on many occasion
students would “punk” him due to his outward appearance. Therefore the negative influences of
social and cultural factors caused Juan to want to skip classes and a disregard for homework. As
Juan began to fade from course work he devolved in his cognitive development and academic
achievement (Ormrod, 2011). However, as Juan developed English proficiency his self-efficacy
increased, leading markers such as “perfect attendance awards” along with certificates of
achievement in Jr. high school and high school began to emerge. Juan also developed
compassion and empathy for fellow ELL students requiring assistance in which he currently
helps on a regular basis. In Juan’s high school his teacher Mr. Calderon uses socicultural theory
applications. Text books never leave the classroom and Mr. Calderon provides a structured
practice when introducing the topic and then has students read sections of the text in open forum
with discussion. Afterwards, students break into small groups to create their own projects to
coincide with the present topic. Next the group has presentations to check for understanding
(guided practice.) The overall effect has been a positive experience for Juan as he has developed
into a socially conscious and academically proficient student.
Based on conclusions, recommendations that would support Juan’s academic
achievement and language development are as follows.
9. Case Study 9
1) Implementation of smart-boards that have bilingual presentation capabilities. As the
principal Mr. Brough pointed out with a Hispanic population of 74% within the high
school, this device would assist Juan and many other lower proficiency ELL students.
Additionally, this would help elevate ELL student English (STAR) proficiency scores
currently at 33% (see Appendix “D”).
2) A second recommendation would be for the high school to make their home website
interactive by implementing current course subject matter so that students and their
parents can log on for family comprehension promoting student learning for Juan and
other participants. The most important element to assisting Juan and fellow students
is that he feels encouraged when teachers simply demonstrate that they care about
their students.
10. Case Study 10
Reflection
I truly enjoyed the observation experience conducting interviews with both Juan’s
teacher and principal. However, the numerous interviews with Juan provided me with
tremendous insight. We discussed ELL development in theory then Juan would
elaborate on his own personal views and perceptions that were in contrast to the
textual knowledge that I presented. It was a tremendous opportunity for me to
compare and contrast theoretical applications and witness them in action. I believe
that Juan having experienced submersion, discrimination and an experience of being
left behind has only made him a stronger person. I am not in any way advocating
submersion only pleased to see that Juan survived the process. I am tremendously
concerned with the huge influx of immigrants in this country, the urgent need for
adequate ELL programs within our school systems and the current teacher skill set
required to fill the ELL needs. English proficiency level scores need to be addressed
carefully and systematically so that schools can produce academically skilled students
leading to a more educated class of citizens.
11. Case Study 11
References
City of Moreno Valley Demographics. Retrieved 3/9/2013
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0649270.html
Department of Education. Moreno Valley High School Data. Retrieved 3/9/2013
http://www.ed-
data.k12.ca.us/App_Resx/EdDataClassic/fsTwoPanel.aspx?#!bottom=/_layouts/EdDataClassic//
profile.asp?Level=07&County=33&district=67124&school=3333770&reportnumber=16
Department of Education. Moreno Valley High School. Retrieved 3/9/2013
http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&InstName=moreno+valley+hig
h+school&City=moreno+valley&State=06&SchoolType=1&SchoolType=2&SchoolType=3&Sc
hoolType=4&SpecificSchlTypes=all&IncGrade=-1&LoGrade=-1&HiGrade=-
1&ID=062580003869
Department of Education SAT Scores. Retrieved 3/9/2013
http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/SAT/SAT-I4.asp?cSelect=MORENO%5EVALLEY%5EHIGH--
MORENO%5EVALLEY%5EU--3367124-3333770&cChoice=SAT4&cYear=2010-
11&cLevel=School&submit1=Submit
Department of Education STAR Reports. Retrieved 3/9/2013 http://www.ed-
data.k12.ca.us/App_Resx/EdDataClassic/fsTwoPanel.aspx?#!bottom=/_layouts/EdDataClassic/
Accountability/PerformanceReports.asp?reportNumber=1&fyr=1112&county=33&district=6712
4&school=3333770&level=07&tab=3
12. Case Study 12
ELL California Standards Test (CST) English Language Arts Results. Retrieved
3/9/2013 http://www6.cde.ca.gov/schoolqualitysnapshot/textreport.aspx?id=6C272B20-74C7-
44DB-A581-C3DC80FAFB5C
ESL/Bilingual Education Programs. Retrieved 3/9/2013.
http://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/eslweb/ESL/Assessment.html
Leyba, C. (Ed.) (2005). Schooling and Language Minority Students: A Theoretical
Framework (3rd edition). Los Angeles: LBD Publishers
Ormrod, J. E. (2011). Educational Psychology: Developing Learners (7th ed.). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson.
13. Case Study 13
APPENDEX A
ESL/Bilingual Education Programs
1. Danbury Public Schools
2. Augusto Gomes, District Coordinator
WELCOME
ESL PROGRAMS
BILINGUAL
REGISTRATION
ELL IDENTIFICATION
RECEPTION CENTERS
ELIGIBILITY
TEACHERS
STAFF
ESL STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES
English Proficiency Assessment
Linking Social, Academic, and Testing Environments
•Grade K-12 teachers of English language learners face the challenge of preparing their students for
success in three areas: social situations, the classroom, and the testing environment. Social
situations usually offer the most support and context for language learning, as well as opportunities
to rely on both cognitive and social processes. In the language and academic classroom, learners
are provided with language experience opportunities with grade-level peers, activation of
background knowledge and experience during lesson learning, and enhanced visuals. By contrast,
the testing environment is usually less contextualized, requiring learners to rely only on individual
cognitive skills, test-taking strategies, and limited visuals.
14. Case Study 14
•As we place children whose home language is not English into school programs and later determine
that they are ready for mainstream or all-English instruction, it is imperative that we take into
account, not only their ability to understand and speak English, but their ability to read and write. If a
child can understand instruction in English, but cannot read the text or meet written assignments,
the child will not succeed.
LAS Links
The LAS Links English Language Proficiency Assessment is an NCLB – compliant instrument that is
used in Grades K-12 as a formal and standardized method of determining language proficiency. The
test results provide important information for screening and placing English Language Learners (ELL)
and subsequently for monitoring in acquiring English. The assessment measures the competencies
necessary for successful academic and social language usage in mainstream classrooms: Speaking,
Listening, Reading, Writing, and Comprehension.
Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs)
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) federal law requires the Connecticut State Department of Education
(CSDE) to annually review the performance of each school district that receives funds under Title III for
language instruction.
NCLB also requires states to set specific student achievement goals for children learning to speak
English. the Language Assessment Scales (LAS Links) are used in Connecticut to measure the
development of their skills.
Annual Assessment of English Proficiency - LAS Links
Second language learners progress through certain developmental stages when acquiring a second
language. The time period for each stage varies depending on the individual learner. English language
proficiency is necessary for academic success. Five English language proficiency levels are linked to
specifically expected performance, and they describe what English language learners can do within
each Doman (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) of the standards.
Framework for Assessing English Proficiency - Communicative Competence
LAS Links assesses competence that is specific to the school setting. LAS Links is based on the
concept that proficiency in a second language is multidimensional and comprised of a variety of skills.
English Language Development
While LAS Links designates five proficiency levels, this does not imply a linear view of language
acquisition. Language acquisition is cumulative and multidimensional. Progress from one level of
proficiency to the next is not even. The skills required to move from Beginning to Early Intermediate
15. Case Study 15
levels are much more limited than the skills required to move from Intermediate to Advanced. Students
who score at the same level may exhibit varying levels of ability in different sub skills. Figure 1 depicts
the levels of English language proficiency as steppingstones along the pathway to academic success.
The progression is continued in Figure 2 where English language learners cross the bridge from English
language proficiency to meet state academic content standards.
LAS Links Proficiency Levels and Descriptors
The LAS Links Assessments measure language proficiency within five grade spans: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 60-8,
and 9-12. Within each grade span, a student can be assigned to one of five proficiency levels:
Beginning, Early Intermediate, Intermediate, Proficient, or Above Proficient. The following table provides
the description of learners at each level of proficiency:
Proficiency Level 1
BEGINNING
A Level 1 student is beginning to develop receptive and productive uses of English in the school
context, although comprehension may be demonstrated nonverbally or through the native language,
rather than in English.
Proficiency Level 2
16. Case Study 16
EARLY INTERMEDIATE
A Level 2 student is developing the ability to communicate in English within the school context. Errors
impede basic communication and comprehension. Lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse
features of English are emerging.
Proficiency Level 3
INTERMEDIATE
A Level 3 student is developing the ability to communicate effectively in English across a range of
grade-level-appropriate language demands in the school context. Errors interfere with communication
and comprehension. Repetition and negotiation are often needed. The student exhibits a
limited range of lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features when addressing new and
familiar topics.
Proficiency Level 4
PROFICIENT
A Level 4 student communicates effectively in English across a range of grade-level-appropriate
language demands in the school context, even though errors occur. The student exhibits productive and
receptive control of lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features when addressing new and
familiar topics.
Proficiency Level 5
ABOVE PROFICIENT
A Level 5 student communicates effectively in English, with few if any errors. Across a wide range of
grade-level-appropriate language demands in the school context. The student commands a high degree
of productive and receptive control of lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse
features when addressing new and familiar topics.
Beginning to Early Intermediate
Word/Phrase Level
Early Intermediate to Intermediate
Sentence Level
Above Intermediate
Multi-sentence Discourse
17. Case Study 17
APPENDEX B
Student Subgroup Performance
Student # 2012 API 2011 API
Growth
Subgroups Pupils Growth Base
Black or African
217 619 618 1
American
American Indian or
2 -- -- --
Alaska Native
Asian 32 834 768 --
Filipino 28 776 759 --
Hispanic or Latino 1,241 674 675 -1
Native Hawaiian or
22 689 655 --
Pacific Islander
White 78 708 683 --
Two or More Races 10 -- -- --
Other Subgroups
Socioeconomically
1,438 657 666 -9
Disadvantaged
English Learners 740 634 623 11
Students with
165 461 440 21
Disabilities
Total
All Students Included in
1,631 674 670 4
Growth API
Note: Beginning with the release of the 2010 Base API, API scores are reported for all
18. Case Study 18
APPENDEX C
Performance - Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs)
2012 Schoolwide Proficiency levels are measured using the California Standards
English/Language Arts Tests for elementary and middle schools and the California High
Percent Proficient or School Exit Exam for high schools. Target percentages are
Above 34.2% known as "annual measurable objectives" (AMOs).
The AMOs for high schools increased substantially in
2012, to 77.8% in English/language arts and 77.4%
Pop-trends in mathematics. Schools with fewer than 100 valid
scores have adjusted AMOs and must meet adjusted
All subgroups met percent proficient targets.
AMOs in Each numerically significant subgroup of students must meet
English/Language No the AMOs in both subjects for the school to make Adequate
Arts? Yearly Progress. The subgroups are based on ethnicity,
disability, socioeconomically disadvantaged (free/reduced price
2012 Schoolwide Math meal program and/or parents without high school diplomas),
Percent Proficient or and English language status.
Above
39.4% A school can make AYP if the percent of students (whole school
or subgroups) who are below proficient in ELA or math
Pop-trends decreased by 10% from the previous year; in this "safe harbor"
provision the school must have a 95% participation rate and an
All subgroups met API Growth score of 680 or one point above the previous year.
AMOs in Math? No
Click here for performance data by subgroup.
Participation Rates
2012 Schoolwide The school as a whole and each numerically significant
English/Language Arts 100.0% subgroup of students must have a 95% participation rate in
Participation Rate both English/language arts and math in order to make
Adequate Yearly Progress. The subgroups are based on
All subgroups met ethnicity, disability, socioeconomically disadvantaged
Participation Rate in (free/reduced price meal program and/or parents without high
Yes
English/Language school diplomas), and English language status.
Arts?
Click here for participation data by subgroup.
2012 Schoolwide Math
98.0%
Participation Rate
All subgroups met
Participation Rate in Yes
Math?
Additional Indicator(s)
19. Case Study 19
APPENDEX D
STAR-Percent of Students Scoring at
Proficient or Advanced
Moreno Valley High School, 2011-12
Subject School District
English-Language Arts 33% 46%
Mathematics 15% 39%
Science 32% 45%
History - Social Science 30% 35%
N/A: Data not available (e.g. the number of students is less than 11, or
the test was not administered)
Source: California Department of Education: Evaluation, Research, and
Analysis Office (2011-12 SARC Research Files)
20. Case Study 20
APPENDEX E
California Standards Test (CST) English-Language Arts Results
(percent proficient and above)
Year School District State
2007-08 22% 33% 46%
2008-09 29% 38% 49%
2009-10 26% 39% 52%
2010-11 32% 42% 54%
2011-12 33% 46% 56%
21. Case Study 21
APPENDEX F
Moreno Valley (city), California
Want more? Browse data sets for Moreno Valley (city)
Moreno
People QuickFacts Valley California
Population, 2011 estimate 197,838 37,683,933
Population, 2010 (April 1) estimates base 193,365 37,253,956
Population, percent change, April 1, 2010 to July 2.3% 1.2%
1, 2011
Population, 2010 193,365 37,253,956
Persons under 5 years, percent, 2010 8.4% 6.8%
Persons under 18 years, percent, 2010 32.3% 25.0%
Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2010 6.3% 11.4%
Female persons, percent, 2010 51.2% 50.3%
White persons, percent, 2010 (a) 41.9% 57.6%
Black persons, percent, 2010 (a) 18.0% 6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native persons, 0.9% 1.0%
percent, 2010 (a)
Asian persons, percent, 2010 (a) 6.1% 13.0%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 0.6% 0.4%
percent, 2010 (a)
Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 5.7% 4.9%
2010
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2010 54.4% 37.6%
(b)
White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2010 18.9% 40.1%
22. Case Study 22
APPENDEX G
Report
SAT Scores
Year
2010-11
School
Moreno Valley High -- Moreno Valley U -- 3367124-3333770
Critical Total >= Total >
Grade 12 Number Percent Reading Math Writing 1,500 1,500
School Enrollment Tested Tested Average Average Average Number Percen
Moreno Valley High 511 136 26.61 421 433 424 18 13.2
District: (Moreno Valley) 3,009 732 24.33 450 457 447 200 27.32
County: (Riverside) 33,681 10,825 32.14 474 484 470 4,112 37.99
Statewide: 486,549 184,627 37.95 495 513 494 89,075 48.25
SAT Report Definitions
To protect privacy, asterisks appear in place of test data when the number of exam takers results are for 10 or fewer
students.
Note: A code “E” recorded in the “Percent Tested” column signifies that the school’s number of grade 12 students
reported to have taken the SAT test exceeds the school’s reported number of students enrolled in grade 12. For more
information, please see the SAT Report Definitions.
23. Case Study 23
APPENDEX H
List of Questions:
1) Do you consider yourself a proficient English Language Learner? (student)
2) Do you feel you are prepared for continued education at the collegiate level? (student)
3) Do your parents desire for you to attend college? (student)
4) Do you feel you have provided your student’s with the skill set for collegiate level learning?
(teacher)
5) What additional support, materials, hardware do you think would benefit your students in
advancing their educational development? (teacher)
6) What do you consider the greatest obstruction to assisting your ELD students? (teacher)
7) What would you consider your greatest tool in assisting ELD students? (teacher)
8) What do you require to assist the educational advancement of your students? (principal)
9) What do you consider the most effective way to advance your ELD students? (principal)
10) What would you consider an overall achievement for your son upon graduation from MVHS?
(parent)
11) What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of the high school’s ELL program?
(principal/teacher)
12) What do you consider some of your greatest achievements in school? (student)
13) What do you consider some of your greatest achievements outside of school? (student)
14) What have been some of your most significantly bad experiences in school? (student)
15) What are your greatest disappointments in school? (student)
16) How do you feel about your journey from transitioning to English proficiency in a United
States school? (student)
24. Case Study 24
17) Who gave you the most support in your high school experience? (student)
18) What is your favorite course? (student)
19) Who has inspired your academic development the most? (student)
20) What needs to be improved to assist ELL students? (student, teacher, principal)
21) What is your assessment of Juan’s academic achievement as an ELL student? (teacher)
22) Why did you choose Juan for my student of observation? (teacher)
23) How would you describe Juan’s academic skill set? (teacher)
24) What qualities does Juan exemplify within the classroom environment? (teacher)
25) Does Juan assist with lower ELL students within the classroom? (teacher)
26) Would you consider your siblings proficient English Language Learners? (student)
27) Do you feel your sisters that were born in this country the beneficiaries of learning
English in this country simultaneously while speaking Spanish in your household in a
better position as opposed to your experience? (student)
