Federal Report Highlights Learning Gaps among ELLs

Dalvin Butler divides his time between teaching secondary school students in the Hawaii Department of Education and studying for his EdD at the University of Southern California. In the process of pursuing his doctorate, Dalvin Butler has conducted several research projects, including a systematic analysis examining learning gaps among English language learners.

In a February 2019 article, Language Magazine looked at the results of a recent federal report on English language learners (ELLs). Issued by the Office of English Language and Acquisition (OELA), the report found graduation rates among ELLs rose by 10 percent from 2010-11 to 2015-16. While encouraging, these rates unfortunately still lag 17 percentage points behind non-ELLs, who graduate at a rate of 84 percent.

Digging deeper into the data, OELA noted that while ELL’s proficiency in math exceeds their proficiency in reading, close to half of US states saw declines in math proficiency among ELLs from 2009 to 2017. Although the information provided in the OELA report is interesting, the data ultimately points to the need for research and development to find solutions that better support ELL learning.

Hawaii Honored with Award Recognizing Innovation in Education

Dalvin Butler holds a master’s degree in educational studies from Johns Hopkins University and expects to graduate with a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California in 2019. In addition to his studies, Dalvin Butler serves as a secondary teacher with the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE), where in order to better educate students, he participates in several data-related programs, including the statewide longitudinal data system. 

In a May 2017 press release, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) acknowledged the longitudinal data system as one of the reasons for its selection of the HIDOE as the winner of the 2017 Frank Newman Award for State Innovation. Named for education advocate and former ECS president Frank Newman, the award is presented to a state that has improved education for students through replicable programs while also developing brave and daring polices.

Along with the longitudinal data system, the ECS noted the HIDOE’s investment in data literacy as another reason for the department garnering the award. Outside of data, the department stood out for its support of teachers and administrators and for its focus on preparing students for college and career pursuits.

In a statement, HIDOE superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi thanked the commission and applauded the efforts of the department’s educators and community partners in raising the quality of education for the state’s students. As the 2017 recipient, Hawaii joins 2016 winner Mississippi and 2015 winner Kentucky among the states that ECS has recognized with the award.

ASCD Prepares for 2017 Educational Leadership Conference in Orlando

Accomplished educator Dalvin Butler works with high school students as a secondary school teacher for the Hawaii Department of Education. Alongside his day-to-day professional activities, Dalvin Butler maintains memberships in several organizations, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). 

Dedicated to promoting excellence in teaching and learning, ASCD oversees a variety of programs and events for teachers, principals, superintendents, and education advocates. Currently, the organization is busy preparing for several upcoming conferences and institutes, including the 2017 Conference on Educational Leadership, which will take place October 27-29 in Orlando, Florida. 

The conference will feature a three-day education program comprising sessions on topics such as coaching and mentoring, student engagement and motivation, collaboration, and distributive leadership. The event will also include presentations from some of today’s education thought leaders, including Myron Dueck and James H. Stronge. Outside of the main conference program, attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their learning through a pre-conference institute on October 26. 

Registration for the ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership is currently open. Pricing ranges from $463 for ASCD members to $532 for nonmembers. Additional fees apply for those planning to attend the pre-conference institute. For more information, visit www.ascd.org.