Caught Between the Push and the Pull: ELL Teachers' Perceptions of Mainstreaming and ESOL Classroom Teaching. (1st March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whiting, James
• Is Part Of: NABE Journal of Research and Practice. Volume 8:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2017-03-01
• Subjects: ELLs -- Co-teaching -- Mainstreaming -- Low-incidence -- Push-in instruction -- Pull-out instruction; Education, Bilingual -- United States -- Periodicals; Education, Bilingual -- Periodicals; Education, Bilingual; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 370.11750973
• DOI: 10.1080/26390043.2017.12067793
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2639-0043

Abstract

Abstract: Seventy-one ELL teachers working in low-incidence settings were surveyed on their experiences teaching in both mainstream and ESOL classrooms settings. Responses showed a looming gap between the ideal of mainstreaming ELLs in a co-teaching model and the reality consisting largely of one-on-one push-in tutoring. Data reveal an overwhelmingly negative perception among participants toward working in the mainstream classroom in such conditions. The work in the mainstream classroom, although not without benefits, is work that leaves these teachers in a professionally disadvantaged position, one with a secondary status, both implied and real. This research has implications for ELL teachers, teacher educators and policymakers within an educational climate that promotes mainstreaming of ELLs.