Case
ESOL Student Not Receiving Help

In a fifth grade ESOL inclusive classroom there are three students that came to the United States this year. One from El Salvador, one from Puerto Rico and the other from Mexico(they came the latest in the year). The students from El Salvador and Puerto Rico seemed to be doing very well socially and academically. The student from Mexico seemed to be lacking in both areas. While working in math groups, I noticed the student was simply copying the work of another. The teacher was sitting at the table as well but did not seem to mind it. I felt ultimately the student was not receiving the help they needed to complete the standardized test they were preparing for or in life. What strategies could help this student succeed?

Posted on: 10/08/17 | Views: 908
Solution #1
Top Solution
I think that one of the solutions would be to determine the academic level of Mathematics of the student from Mexico. Maybe the student from Mexico does not have basic Math skills. The teacher needs to acknowledge this problem and seek help for the student. I would use manipulatives to try to explain basic Math operations such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication. I would also contact a Spanish bilingual assistant and ask her to help me with the student from Mexico.
29 0
Solution #2
You mentioned that the two other ESOL students were thriving academically as well as socially. How is your student from Mexico doing socially? The student may be afraid or unable to ask for assistance while working in these small groups. If your other two students are are doing so well, it may be a good idea to put all three of these students in a groups so they can help each other.

This is a good idea. They speak the same language and can help each other.

I agree pairing someone with the same/similar native tongue can be helpful in this situation till you can get the student the best help possible.

18 0
Solution #3
I think that the teacher should work with the student from Mexico separately because if they are copying from another student, it isn't giving the teacher a true idea of what the student knows. Also I think checking their English proficiency might make a difference to see what words and concepts they aren't understanding because they don't know the English word.
6 0
Solution #4
The first thing to do would be to bring up your concern to the teacher. Try to understand what is going on with the student so you and the teacher can come up with a solution to help. It might also be useful to see what strategies are working for the other two ESOL students.
5 0
Solution #5
I have a student like this as well, I worked with her one on one and got the feeling that she may also be dyslexic. I told my CT and then three weeks later the CT acted like she discovered something and said to me, "oh! I think student is dyslexic"...... Bring the issue to attention, share with the classroom teacher and administration, many things will go unattended to until someone tells everyone else that it is important. Be that child's advocate because come test time, they will have no idea what to do.
2 0
Solution #6
I feel the student from Mexico should be tested to see where their math level is at. So, from there we can figure out the best way to teach the student. I would first go by the basics like addition and subtraction, then go from there. AS well, if the student is having trouble understanding English, I would try to get a Spanish speaking assistant for the student to help. As well as, for the teacher who does not mind letting the student copy off others. I would take them to the side and tell them that we are here to help students succeed and to give every child the same opportunity.
1 0
Solution #7
More one-on-one instruction, where possible. Also, express how that is not the right way to complete your own work and that there will be consequences if this continues. Students, regardless of the language barrier, can tell from right and wrong.
1 0
Solution #8
A lot of ESOL is learning how to write, and even copying the student is still learning. In my ESOL room we have a lot of this too. What I simply do is if I notice the student is copying, I sit next to the student and go over what they wrote. I have the student repeat what I am saying as I point to the words they have written on their paper.
1 0
Solution #9
I hope that something gets done this would be sad to see a student not get the proper help cause of the teacher.
1 1
Solution #10
Try to set some one on one time maybe 2 days a week
0 0
Solution #11
This seems more like a teacher issue than a student issue. I think that needs to be addressed first before any strategies are discussed.
0 0
Solution #12
depending on the amount of ELL students in the school depends on if the receive and ESOL person to come into the classroom. All teachers are ESOL cerified and have been taught how to help ELL students.
0 0
Solution #13
I would suggest one on one teacher help. The student seems as though they are not getting enough attention therefore they are just copying others work so they don't fail.
2 3