Background Information

ELL Student: Student M

• Male, Mexican
• 8 years old, entering 3rd grade
• Arrived in U.S. spring 2012
• L1--Spanish, L2--English
• ESOL Level--Speech Emergent (level 3)

Student M is an 8-year old boy of Mexican decent. He lives with his father and stepmother, as well as his three siblings and three step siblings. Student M also has one sibling that does not live at home. Student M is the second youngest in the family and one of five boys. His father works in construction and his mother recently quit her waitressing job to start her own business; she makes homemade cakes and delivers them to homes and other businesses.

Student M’s family recently joined the Mormon faith (about 4 months ago). They attend church every Sunday, but the religion is still relatively new to them. There are mixed opinions among the children regarding their new faith. Some of Student M’s siblings enjoy church and the new lessons they are learning, while others do not seem as devoted. Mormonism does not particularly intrigue Student M. He thinks four hours is too long for church.

Student M previously lived in Mexico with his mother, stepfather, and one of his sisters until last April (2012). His two eldest siblings came to retrieve Student M and his sister and bring them to Florida to live with their father. Student M did attend some school in Mexico, but he did not enjoy it at all. He said school in Mexico was difficult and that his teachers were mean. He enjoys school in Florida much more.

Student M’s first language is Spanish and his second language is English. Everyone in his family speaks both languages as well. At home they converse mainly in Spanish, but they try to use English whenever out in public. Student M says they speak English when out and to other people so that they are most easily understood. Additionally, they do not want to be mistaken as foreigners.

Student M attends a Title 1 school in Manatee County. He will begin 3^rd grade in the fall. Although Student M has made great gains with his language since coming to Florida, he is not quite on grade level with all his literacy skills (this will be more thoroughly addressed in this case study). Student M enjoys all his classes and seems genuinely happy learning new content.