Seesaw ELD Promotes Language Acquisition in MLLs

English learners are the fastest-growing demographic of students globally, making English language development (ELD) a high-priority area for many schools and districts. Currently, there are many models of English language instruction in practice. Some programs for ELD focus solely on English acquisition in isolation - learning English for the sake of learning English. However, recent research cited by WIDA shows that what is most important is for students to acquire language through content area knowledge - this helps English learners access grade-level appropriate content in different subjects (science, social studies, math etc.) while simultaneously learning English.

This qualitative and quantitative study examines the effectiveness of Seesaw’s English Language Development (ELD) lessons for K-2 students. The results show:

• Improved Student Vocabulary and Word Usage

• Increased Student Confidence and Engagement

• Enhanced Teacher Satisfaction

Seesaw ELD Overview

Study Overview

Seesaw conducted a study in Fall 2024 to examine how K-2 teachers implemented Seesaw ELD lessons and measured the resulting impact on student learning. The study focused on 75 multilingual learners from five K-2 classrooms, each comprised of both multilingual and non-multilingual students. Data was collected through student pre- and post-assessments, teacher pre- and post-lesson surveys, and 30-minute post-study teacher interviews.

The ELD lessons consisted of a set of activities intended to be taught throughout the week - these were implemented over a two-week period. Students engaged in one of three math or science ELD lessons, and their academic growth was evaluated.

Seesaw ELD is a supplemental K-5 English Language Development Program with over 480 ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies lessons. Lessons are designed to help students develop an understanding of content and language concurrently, with academic content as a context for language learning. The content serves various ELD models found throughout schools across the globe. Our research foundation and pedagogical approach follow the WIDA Framework, Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model, and state content standards. Seesaw ELD is validated as an ESSA Tier IV evidence-based intervention.

Aligned to WIDA

Seesaw ELD Results

Improved Student Vocabulary and Word Usage

Students demonstrated significant improvement in vocabulary and sentence frame usage between the pre- and post-assessments. Improvement was measured by comparing word usage in both assessments; students were considered to have improved if they used a vocabulary word in the postassessment that they had not used in the pre-assessment.

Students’ high level of engagement was reflected in their improved performance on the post-assessments, as shown in Chart 1. Furthermore, Table 1 shows that students acquired an average of 3.4 new words across the five classes.

Figure 2. Percent Correct on Pre- and Post-assessments

Table 1. Number of words learned in ELD lessons

Enhanced Teacher Satisfaction

100% of teachers reported that they enjoyed teaching the ELD lessons and observed positive outcomes for their whole class. The lessons were seen as beneficial for all students, and particularly supportive of multilingual learners in mastering the core curriculum content.

A Kindergarten teacher who implemented the Addition lesson shared her enthusiasm, stating, “It was perfect. I don’t think anything was missing. I felt like repetition was the key. The picture cues were the key.”

Increased Student Confidence and Engagement

Teachers reported that the lessons boosted students’ confidence and engagement in language learning. A 2nd-grade teacher compared her students’ pre- and postassessments and noted, “They were more confident because they already had that practice throughout the week.” Similarly, another teachers noticed her students sounded more confident in their voice recordings at the end of the week.

Acknowledgements

Language

Conclusion

This study provides initial evidence of the effectiveness of Seesaw’s ELD lessons in supporting multilingual learners’ understanding and engagement with core curriculum content. The findings demonstrate positive impacts on vocabulary acquisition, sentence frame usage, and overall language confidence. Teachers and students alike responded enthusiastically to the lessons, highlighting their potential to foster a dynamic and supportive language learning environment.

To learn more about Seesaw ELD, visit https://seesaw.com/english-language-development/

Thank you to Dr. Kia McDaniel, Dr. Adria Klein, Dr. Ebony Shockley, Dr. Tamar Posner, Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase, Mary Starr, and Ed Lamprich for their consultation and contributions to the Seesaw ELD curriculum.

Efficacy Study Research & Reporting

Thank you to Dr. Sherri Widen for planning and executing the eficacy study summarized above.