Publication Date
8-1997
Degree Granted
Ph.D.
Institution Granting Degree
The University of Mississippi
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate selected factors associated with preparing elementary teachers in north Mississippi public schools to work with limited English proficient (LEP) students. The objectives of this research were (a) to determine the awareness of elementary teachers in north Mississippi public schools concerning the legal aspects of teaching limited English proficient students, (b) to ascertain if a need exists to prepare teachers in north Mississippi public schools to work with limited English proficient students, and (c) to identify types of instruction that teachers in north Mississippi public schools would participate in when preparing to work with limited English proficient students.
The subjects in this study were elementary teachers from 17 school districts in north Mississippi public schools with an identified LEP student population. A random sample of 344 elementary teachers was chosen to participate in the study in the spring of 1997.
The instrument used to gather the data for this study was a questionnaire constructed by the researcher. The questions on the questionnaire were categorized according to demographics, the legal aspects of teaching LEP students, the need to prepare teachers to work with LEP students, types of instruction for preparing teachers to work with LEP students, and a general question related to teaching LEP students.
The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS 6.1 for Windows Student Version (1994) software package. Tables were used to present the data. Statistical analysis involved measuring frequency and percentage of responses.
The following conclusions were reached based on the results of the statistical analysis of the data for this study: (a) teachers in north Mississippi public schools are not aware of the legal mandates that pertain to LEP students; (b) there is a need to prepare teachers in north Mississippi public schools to work with LEP students; and (c) teachers in north Mississippi public schools have preferences concerning the types of instruction they would participate in when preparing to work with LEP students.
Recommended Citation
McDonald, Connie L., "An Investigation of Selected Factors Related to Preparing Teachers to Work with Limited English Proficient Students in North Mississippi Public Schools" (1997). Faculty Dissertations. 31.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/fac_dis/31
