Preparing young dual language learners for school success: early childhood teacher beliefs regarding school readiness

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study is to investigate what early childhood teachers in the United States of America believe are the essential characteristics young children and dual language learners (DLL) require to be ready for school. Participants identified the three top characteristics all young children and DLL need for school success. The findings illustrate that although the participants ranked social characteristics as essential over other areas of learning for all children, they equally rank social and physical characteristics as essential for DLL, followed by communication skills. Implications of these findings render new understandings in how we define school readiness and what should be the focus in preschool classrooms compared to the instructional practices of kindergarten.