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No Benefit in Grouping English Learners — Graduates in red robes pose for a photo outdoors

No Benefit in Grouping English LearnersCEFR A2

24 Nov 2025

Adapted from Jade McClain-NYU, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Vitaly Gariev, Unsplash

AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.

Grouping English learners in schools has been common, but recent studies raise questions. Many educators believe this helps students, but research shows it might not be effective.

For example, one study found that English learners in groups often had lower graduation rates. They also enrolled in college less often when they were grouped together.

Another study in elementary schools tested groups of English learners. The results showed no big differences in learning, but mixing students sometimes helped.

Difficult words

  • educatorA person who teaches or helps students.
    educators
  • effectiveProducing a desired result or outcome.
  • enrollTo register or sign up for something, like school.
    enrolled
  • graduationThe act of completing a course of study.
  • mixTo combine different things together.
    mixing

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Why do you think grouping English learners might not be effective?
  • Have you seen different ways to teach that might help students more?
  • What could schools do to improve graduation rates for learners?

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