Abstract
The purpose of this research was to conduct a case study of teachers to discover effective English language learner strategies used in the classroom which allows teachers to successfully improve student academic achievement. The researcher examined the history and development of English language learners (ELLs), challenges educators face in the classroom, and various theories supporting successful English language strategies. The study focused on three questions: 1) How well are teachers prepared to reinforce practical and effective strategies to promote academic achievement for EL students; 2) What are effective methods for teaching language learning strategies to EL students; and 3) How does current legislation and professional development influence the teacher’s implementation of EL strategies in the classroom? Many educators are feeling pressure from the high demands for student success. The constant influx of new students, the high demand for accountability in state testing, the need for sustained resources and greater preparedness to teach the students in today’s classrooms, contribute to the struggle to ensure academic success for students. If students are not taught to meet their needs, they and the institution of education will fail. Methodology The information gathered for this study was obtained from one elementary school in a large urban school district in California’s Sacramento Valley. The researcher collected the data from staff surveys and observations. The acquired data was gathered from 22 elementary school (K-6) teachers through a questionnaire. Six of them also volunteered to participate in informal observations. Conclusions and Recommendations The findings were supported from current research which verifies strategies to aid teachers who work with English language learners. The staff at Joan D. Elementary specified the need for learning more strategies to support academic success for English language learners. Future research to promote academic success for ELL students is recommended to sustain teachers in meeting the current challenges in education. In addition, further research on strategies and procedures to gain academic success for ELL students is recommended for teachers at Joan D. Elementary School.