Chapter 8: Pre-Service English Language Learner Science Teacher Preparation in the Southeast United States

Over the past two decades, the Hispanic population in the southeastern United States has grown by as much as 300% in some states, placing pressure on teacher preparation programs and pre-school through grade 12 schools to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs). This descriptive study examines teacher education programmatic materials and science methods course syllabi to determine the extent to which ELLs are being addressed in higher education institutions in the Southeastern states. In the materials examined, it was found that pre-service teachers are provided with limited preparation to address the needs of ELLs. Of the 29 teacher preparation programs examined, few required pre-service educators to offer specific courses targeting ELLs, and even fewer included ELLs as a major topic covered during science methods courses. Recommendations for preservice science education course design targeted at preparing linguistically responsive teachers are included.