Term

2011

Capstone

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

MAESL

Abstract

This study sought to find content teachers' attitudes and perceptions toward the inclusion of ELLs in their classrooms. This study was instigated by the researcher's concern about misperceptions content teachers hold toward ELLs, and even greater concern about negative attitudes the researcher felt were derived from content teachers' misperceptions about ELLs. Data were gathered in a secondary school district in the rural Midwest, qualitative data were also gathered from follow-up interviews with consenting participants. Findings revealed that participants held many misperceptions, and both positive and negative attitudes about ELLs. Participants demonstrated an openness toward continuing education regarding ELLs. Further research around content teacher education in ESL methods, second language acquisition, and cultural efficacy is recommended.

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