Teaching English language learners scale (TELLS): initial development

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This paper describes the development of a scale to measure mainstream teachers' self-efficacy beliefs for teaching ELL (English Language Learner) students. Data were collected from 150 K through 12 teachers and pre-service teachers with varying degrees of training specific to teaching ELL students. General scale development and self-efficacy scale development guidelines were followed to create the Teaching English Language Learners Scale (TELLS). Using exploratory factor analysis, a 23 item scale consisting of two factors instruction and assessment (14 items) and native language support and resources (9 items) was developed. The scale demonstrates strong internal consistency (alpha = .92 for the full scale; .96 for the instruction and assessment subscale; .92 for the support and resources subscale).