Programs, Plans, and Practices in Schools with Reputations for ESL Student Success

Abstract

This article reports on a year-long comparative case study of four secondary schools in low-incidence areas (less than 6% ESL) that have a reputation for success in the educational attainment of ESL students. Multiple data collection strategies revealed that, in low-incidence areas, school-wide programs and attitudes more than specific pedagogical practices seemed to be correlated with student success. This article describes school and district programs and practices, within the categories of administrative support, community support, and school support. The implications of this research are that further understanding of educating ESL students in low-incidence as opposed to high-incidence areas is needed, and that the TESL profession should take a leading role in making connections with educational administration programs, thus ensuring that future administrators are able to plan for success.