Newcomer perceptions of identity and school membership: Program comparisons between English only and dual language immersion tracks

Author

Jeanne Lorraine de la Riva [Whisler], Hamline UniversityFollow

Term

Summer 8-13-2015

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAESL

Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair

Amy Young

Secondary Advisor/Reader One

Ann Mabbott

Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two

Tara Garcia Mathewson

Abstract

This study examined the differences is ways newcomer ELs in the dual language immersion program characterized identity and sense of belonging in comparison to newcomer ELs in the English-only track. Interview data was analyzed to reveal differences in perceptions of school membership along three different themes: perception of Spanish in the school, academic participation, and peer acceptance. The concept of communities of practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991) was employed to understand students’ participation and sense of belonging within the school community, and the topics of agency and self-efficacy are discussed as they relate to students’ identities. The results of this study suggest that newcomer ELs in the dual language immersion program perceive higher levels of school membership than newcomer ELs in the English-only track. This paper concludes with pedagogical implications and suggestions for educators and administrators of Middle School dual language programs.

Keywords

ESL/ ELLs, Dual Language Immersion, Newcomer ELs

Comments

Degree completed under name of de la Riva; changed to Whisler in 2017.

Recommended Citation

de la Riva [Whisler], Jeanne Lorraine, "Newcomer perceptions of identity and school membership: Program comparisons between English only and dual language immersion tracks" (2015). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 205.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/205