The Effects of School Closures on English Language Learners (ELLs) in Las Vegas

The Effects of School Closures on English Language Learners (ELLs) in Las Vegas

Division II, second place prize winner.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how COVID-19 related school closures and online learning have affected English language learners (ELLs) and their educators from five Las Vegas-area high schools. The study specifically examined ELLs' desire to progress towards graduation, ability to communicate using English, and preference to continue or discontinue specific elements of remote learning. These themes were also examined through the lens of ELL educator perspectives. Links to surveys (provided in four languages) were distributed to school principals who disseminated them among students and staff. A review of the data is showing that fewer ELLs wish to drop out now than before school closures began in March 2020 and that ELLs are evaluating their ability to communicate in English as having improved or stayed the same since that time.