High School Social Studies Teachers’ Attitudes Toward English Language Learners

This study examined the attitudes of high school social studies teachers toward the inclusion of English language learners (ELLs) in their social studies classrooms. A mixed-model methodology was employed by surveying all 344 social studies teachers in the school district. Additionally, eight of these teachers were interviewed to ascertain their attitudes toward including ELLs in high school social studies classrooms. More than three-fourths of teachers surveyed indicated they would prefer that ELLs not be in their classroom until they have “learned” English. Furthermore, the main cause of the negative attitudes seemed to be rooted in the inability of the social studies teachers to effectively modify instruction. The possible results of these attitudes and the efficacy of current policies are discussed.