10/13/2024
Evaluation of Lexia English in the Development of Oracy and Academic Language in English Learners
PURPOSE: In the U.S., English Learners (ELs) often do not acquire the language proficiency skills needed for success in content-area classes. Acquiring “academic language” is integral for helping students converse in the classroom and successfully obtain and use subject matter information. Here, we asked whether Lexia English Language Development™ can effectively address the academic language needs of ELs.
METHOD: In this large-scale, quasi-experimental study, the benefits of using Lexia English were investigated in the context of hybrid or remote instruction. Test scores on the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) were compared for English Learners who used Lexia English with English Learners in the same school district who did not use the program.
KEY FINDINGS
- Lexia English users scored significantly higher on the ELPAC than non-users, with a 0.19 effect size.
- Lexia English users consistently scored higher than non-users when data were disaggregated by grade and demographic characteristics.
- Greater use of Lexia English was associated with higher ELPAC scores.
- The group difference favoring Lexia English users was larger in the oral (compared to written) domain, consistent with the program’s emphasis on conversational skills.
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