Children's English and Services Study

Book excerpt: This study examines the background, rationale, procedures, and results of a study by the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to determine the number of limited English proficient children living in the United States and the types of services these children receive in school. The procedure used by the study for defining limited English proficiency is examined in terms of conceptual framework, field test procedures and results, and selection of the criterion score. A critique is offered of the conceptual framework and survey procedures that includes alternative sample plans, the role of the advisory group and contractor, sample selection, questionnaire design, data collection, response rates and weight adjustments, and sources of and interpretation of errors. The results of the survey are summarized. Comments from the advisory group for the study are set forth. In general, it is concluded that various flaws in the design of the study give cause for calling the results into question. Instruments used in the study are appended. (JB)