Use students' home language (Marshallese) to supplement English instruction in entry-level ELA courses¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

This strategy recommends supplementing English-medium instruction with students' home language to support multilingual learners in developmental coursework. The report notes 96 percent of the CMI student population speaks Marshallese at home and only 27 percent of students in grades 10 and 12 were reported proficient in English, and suggests "CMI might consider using Marshallese in Level 2 ELA courses to support students in learning English." It cites research that using one's home language in the classroom strongly aids learning a new language.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Instructors with preparation for supporting multilingual learners; the report notes professional development, increased instructional accessibility, and bilingual education programs are associated with improved performance for multilingual students.

Constraints¶

• The report frames this as a consideration for CMI's context, where the language of instruction is English but the official language of the community and school system is Marshallese.

Target Learners¶

• Community college students whose home language differs from the language of instruction

Target Learning Goals¶

• English language proficiency and passing credit-bearing ELA courses required for graduation

Related Strategies¶

• Teach in students' home language in primary, assess learning levels and differentiate instruction, and align teacher training with language-of-instruction policy
• Prepare college instructors to support English Learners' language and academic development in dual enrollment courses
• Screen multilingual students in multiple languages where possible, choosing screener languages informed by students' instructional contexts and home language use

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Shannon, L., Gruber, J., Rentz, B., Vila, C., Erichsen, K., & Nastasi, J. (2026). Examining the English language arts course placement system at the College of the Marshall Islands (REL 2026–006). U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, Regional Educational Laboratory Pacific. https://ies.ed.gov/use-work/resource-library/report/descriptive-study/examining-english-language-arts-course-placement-system-college-marshall-islands