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English Language Learner Study Examines Best Practices

AutoSkill sponsors multi-state study to identify and measure indicators for effective English Language Learner programs.

Houston and Ottawa, Oct. 2, 2007 – As part of a consortium to evaluate the impact of district initiatives on the outcomes of English Language Learners (ELL), AutoSkill International is sponsoring APQC Education’s new ELL Benchmarking Study. Districts from California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico and Texas are participating in the study, which addresses the need for a research-based approach to programs affecting the nearly 10 million – and growing – ELL population.

Dr. Elena Izquierdo, from the University of Texas at El Paso, is the academic advisor on the study, and special contributors are association representatives from NABE, AASA, NASSP and NMSA. The purpose of the study is to share best practices, develop a process approach to ELL programs, and create a common set of performance measures that can be used to monitor efforts toward ongoing improvement.

“By working in partnership with district leaders and policy makers on the benchmarking project, we are gaining great insight into the challenges involved in creating and managing ELL programs that have a positive effect on student achievement,” says Susan Koch, vice-president of marketing at AutoSkill International. “Our involvement in the study will help us to continually augment our approach to the use of technology in reading and math intervention for ELL students.”

Some of the areas that will be examined include identification and placement of ELL students, support for ELL instruction and programs, the curriculum and instruction framework, including professional development and program elements, and support for community relationships and parent interaction.

“In our study methodology, we take a global view by working with participants to identify everything that can have an impact on program success, from funding to resource management to technology and materials used by the students,” says Travis Colton, senior researcher at APQC. “Through sponsorships from AutoSkill and co-sponsor Course Crafters, we can also incorporate the expertise of leading companies who work closely with districts on the implementation of their ELL programs.”
 
Districts participating in the study will receive a customized benchmarking report comparing local processes to those of the nation’s highest performing districts. In addition, a summary report of the results for all participating sites will be made available for general distribution in early 2008.

About APQC Education
Founded in 1977, nonprofit APQC is a trusted resource for benchmarking and performance data. Since 2000, APQC has been committed to enhancing the U.S. education system by identifying improvement opportunities within the districts’ routine processes. By saving time and money within, for example, HR, school districts can redirect money to school instruction.
APQC works closely with superintendents, central office personnel and principals to help districts work efficiently and effectively.  Recent studies include an evaluation of professional development best practices and math and science student achievement. For more information, visit www.apqceducation.org.

About AutoSkill International
AutoSkill creates award-winning intervention solutions to help close the proficiency gap in K-12 schools. For over 17 years, its research-based programs have helped at-risk students to build fluency in the foundation skills of reading and math. The company’s core products, Academy of READING and Academy of MATH, deliver rapid, permanent gains so students progress in their education and administrators meet AYP targets. For more information, visit www.autoskill.com.

For more information, contact:
Nancy Fontanne
Manager Marketing Communications
AutoSkill International Inc
800-288-6754 x302
Email: nancy.fontanne@autoskill.com