04/01/2022
By Lizzie Casanave

The School of Education invites you to attend an Ed.D. Dissertation Defense by Monica Lahiri-Hoherchak on “An Inquiry into the Identity Of Students With Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (Slife).”

Date: April 15, 2022
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: This will be a virtual dissertation defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact Johanna_Tigert@uml.edu to request access to the Zoom link.

Dissertation Chair: Johanna Tigert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Dissertation Committee:

  • Phitsamay Uy, Ed.D., Associate Professor, School of Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Linda Riley, Ed.D., EL Coordinator, Woburn Public Schools, Woburn, MA

Abstract:
On October 1st of school year 2021-2022, the Sunrise school district had a student population of 2190 English Learners (EL). This was 14.4% of the student body. Teachers, both EL and mainstream, as well as those who conduct the EL identification process, share that many of these students arrive at the secondary level without transcripts from their home country and self-identify that they have only had some, if any, formal schooling.

In order to welcome students with such large gaps in their formal education into our schools, we need to deepen the understanding of the identity of students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). SLIFE are faced with multiple needs: English language acquisition, foundational math and literacy skills, acculturation to American society, and even support dealing with traumatic experiences.

Data was collected from district sources, relevant research, classroom observation, and most importantly focus groups with students to develop profiles or written portraits of SLIFE. It became apparent that the SLIFEs’ sense of self, or identity, is related to the new culture and language surrounding them. They prioritize learning English as they are aware of the impact of their language skills. The need to earn money, impacts their choices, but they remain resilient as they move forward to achieve their goals in this foreign environment.