Examining the Heterogeneous Early Literacy Profiles of First-Grade Students Who Are English Learners

This study examined the heterogeneity of early literacy profiles of English learners and non-English learners. Utilizing a latent profile analysis, the degree to which distinct learner profiles emerged was examined using code-based and language-based measures administered in the beginning of first grade. Participants included 11,803 English learners and 34,129 non-English learners. Three early literacy profiles emerged for English learners while four profiles emerged for non-English learners. Both sets of profiles can be identified based on the severity of students' difficulties with component skills rather than the specificity of their difficulties. Resulting profiles in both samples were then utilized to predict performance on a measure of broad reading comprehension administered at the end of first and second grade. Results indicated that the profile that was associated with the greatest success on the later measures of reading comprehension for both samples included the strongest performance on measures of both code-related and language-related skills. Results highlight the heterogeneity of early literacy skills within the English learner and non-English learner populations and demonstrate the importance of designing instruction that addresses the severity of a student's skill deficit.