Atlanta Public Schools educators recognized they needed a solution to help Emergent Bilingual students gain confidence in their speaking skills after a districtwide computer-based speaking assessment revealed major learning gaps. The issue wasn’t that students weren’t speaking—rather, they were giving one-word answers in response to questions.
The district implemented Lexia English Language Development™ to support the Emergent Bilingual population. Designed for students in grades K–6, the Lexia English platform helps Emergent Bilingual students achieve their academic goals. It uses culturally and ethnically diverse characters who engage and encourage students throughout their learning journeys. Interactive academic conversations empower students to build the linguistic competence and confidence needed for academic success via standard and scaffolded instruction.
Educators at Atlanta Public Schools found students who spent the recommended number of minutes on Lexia English were more likely to score higher on the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs® test, the Georgia English language proficiency exam. After implementing Lexia English, the district reported measurable progress of Emergent Bilinguals in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Higher ACCESS scores mean students’ faster exits from the ESOL program, which is the district’s ultimate goal.
Today, the district uses Lexia English to support students in grades K–5 whose speaking scores don’t align with where they should be academically. The program’s purposeful repetition in speaking and listening instills confidence in learners and teaches them transferable language, according to Amanda Larkin, ESOL district support teacher in Multilingual Programs + Services department.
Discover how Lexia English helped boost speaking skills and drive academic success for this Georgia district’s Emergent Bilingual students.
English Language Development for Emergent Bilingual students in Grades K–6
Lexia® English Language Development™ (Grades K-6)A Cambium Learning® Group Brand
