What Should Schools Do As The Numbers Of ELL Newcomers Decrease?

To no one’s surprise, the Trump administration’s systemic kidnapping of immigrants and their families is resulting in reduced numbers of ELL Newcomer students.

As the NBC News article, Immigrant student enrollment is dwindling at schools across the U.S., notes, as one example among many that it cites:

In Miami-Dade County Public Schools, about 2,550 students have entered the district from another country so far this school year — down from nearly 14,000 last year, and more than 20,000 the year before that. 

How should schools respond to this new reality?

One,  they should recognize that this trend is likely to change in the next few years.  There were reduced numbers of Newcomers during the first Trump administration (though not as large), but it bounced back quickly after the Biden administration took office.

Two, schools could take this opportunity to support their many Long-Term English Language Learners, who are often given short shrift. Instead of laying-off experienced ELL teachers, or assigning them other classes, they could utilize their experience by expanding efforts for LTELLs (who are often born in the US).

I’ve discussed how at my old school we supported LTELLs in two articles: This Is the Most Effective Teaching Strategy I’ve Seen in 23 Years and Research in Action: Ramping Up Support for Long-Term ELLs.

I’m adding this info to The Best Resources On Supporting Long-Term English Language Learners.