11/20/2024

Literacy + Language: Success for Multilingual Students

Challenge: Establishing comprehensive literacy and language support for a growing multilingual learner populatio

Solution: Lexia English Language Development™ + Lexia® Core5® Reading

Like many districts across the country, Craven County in North Carolina is home to a growing population of Emergent Bilingual students, particularly newcomers and refugees. 

While the district already had Core5 in every elementary school, school and district leaders recognized their English Language Learners needed additional language support. For that, Craven County piloted Lexia English. With impressive results at the pilot schools, Craven County educators quickly implemented the program districtwide, to be used in conjunction with Core5 when students are ready.

In Craven County, multilingual students typically start with Lexia English, building a foundation of listening and speaking for later reading proficiency. Around the time they reach level 3 in Lexia English (or around the two-year mark), the district layers in Core5, using both programs on alternating days of the week.

Kathleen Brinson, a multilingual teacher and refugee school impact coordinator, and Taylor Stewart, a K–5 ESL teacher, both see the positive impact Lexia® has on their Emergent Bilingual students. Brinson says, “By using both [Lexia English and Core5], we’re giving our students everything they need.” 

The data backs this up. Forty-four percent of students meeting usage in Lexia English moved up at least one proficiency band of in-program material. See how Core5 and Lexia English are supporting Emergent Bilingual students across Craven County.