Exploring equitable representation of English learners in gifted education.

Despite growing national commitments to educational equity, English Learners (ELs) remain significantly underrepresented in gifted and advanced academic programs across the United States. This two-part dissertation explores the systemic and perceptual factors contributing to this persistent disparity. In Study 1, I analyzed a nationally representative sample of 300 large school districts using publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Office for Civil Rights. I calculated a Representation Index (RI) to quantify EL participation in Advanced Placement (AP), calculus, and physics courses and conducted inferential analyses to examine the role of state-level gifted education policies. Results confirmed widespread underrepresentation and revealed that policy context may influence access for EL students. In Study 2, I conducted a vignette-based experimental study to examine whether educators’ recommendations for gifted education are affected by student home language. Participants reviewed matched student profiles that varied only in home language (English vs. Spanish) and rated the likelihood of recommending each student for gifted services. Findings suggest that linguistic background may subtly influence educator decision-making, with implications for identification processes. Together, these studies offer a comprehensive view of the structural and perceptual mechanisms that limit EL access to gifted education and provide evidence to support reforms in policy, practice, and professional development.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Laird-Radinsky, Yasmin C. (Yasmin Christine), 1996-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Kettler, Todd.

• English language learners (ELLs)
• Advanced academics.
• Equity.
• Education policy.
• Underrepresentation.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14008

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14008