Using a template found that outlines the components of a case study (e.g. chapter 11 in your textbook, Instructional assessment of English language learners in the K–8 Classroom by Brantley, 2007), as a reference guide, participants will be expected to conduct a qualitative mini-research project in “Case Study” format. The case study will be designed with three major sections: (a) Background History of the Student, (b) Student Comprehensive Assessment Analysis, and (c) Instructional Implications of Findings and Recommendations. An introduction and conclusion should be included to ensure that the reader has context about your case study. The duration of the case study should be limited to approximately four (4) weeks. If you do not have an ELL as a regular student, it is acceptable to identify an ELL from another classroom and work with a cooperating teacher to complete this assignment.

Student Selection Criteria:
You should use the following guiding prompts and questions to identify an appropriate ELL for the case study:
•Student must be ELL but not necessarily receiving ELL Services.
•Initial anecdotal information on student presents outside of the normal trajectory toward English proficiency.

Good case study subjects are students who may be struggling in a particular area of literacy and/or numeracy.
•Why is this student not progressing academically?
•Why is this student excelling in some subjects but falling seriously behind in others?
•Why is this student still receiving ELL services and has not exited/transitioned out of ESL by now?

History & Background of Student—Provide as much information about your case study as possible. Try to include information about language(s) spoken in the home, ethnic background, country of origin, formal education, number of years in the U.S., number of siblings and birth order, any traumatic early history, and grade level and academic levels before coming to this country and/or in other academic settings. (1-3 pages)

Student Comprehensive Assessment Analysis—This section should provide a broader view of the case study’s academic abilities. Discuss the components of comprehensive assessment and why you should not rely solely on the results from one testing source. Discuss all other information that contributes to a comprehensive analysis of your child’s academic achievement. Discuss the student’s stage of language proficiency and the impact it has on instruction for the child. (3-5 pages)

Instructional Implications of Findings & Recommendations—Discuss the student’s current academic setting and language development plan, in detail.  Based on your research and knowledge of second language acquisition theories, recommend a suitable and realistic plan of action for your case study.  Include the language of instruction, appropriate instructional strategies, which will be responsible for each aspect of the program, and so forth. (2-3 pages)
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