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The Marginal effect of K-12 English language development programs: Evidence from Los Angeles Schools

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  • Pope, Nolan G.

Abstract

The growing number of K-12 non-native English speaking students increases the value of optimizing education policy to meet their academic needs. Using a regression discontinuity in test scores from the Los Angeles Unified School District, I analyze the optimal age and English proficiency level for students to enter and exit English language development (ELD) programs. I find marginal kindergarteners receive small academic gains from entering ELD classes. Marginal 2nd to 4th graders who are reclassified from ELD to mainstream English classes receive large benefits to their English test scores (0.25 SD) and GPA that persist over the next 7 years. Boys receive the majority of the benefits. I find no evidence that students reclassified in later grades receive any benefit. Achievement gains can be obtained by enrolling more students into ELD programs in kindergarten and choosing to transition them into mainstream English classes sooner.

Suggested Citation

  • Pope, Nolan G., 2016. "The Marginal effect of K-12 English language development programs: Evidence from Los Angeles Schools," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 311-328.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:53:y:2016:i:c:p:311-328
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2016.04.009
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    Cited by:

    1. Onda, Masayuki & Seyler, Edward, 2020. "English learners reclassification and academic achievement: Evidence from Minnesota," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    School; Students; English; Los Angeles; Language; Spanish; Test; California;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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