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Effective SAT®/ACT® Prep Strategies for ELL Students

Preparing English Language Learners (ELLs) for the SAT® and ACT® requires targeted strategies that address unique challenges like vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. Discover how accommodations, focused practice, and tailored resources can improve test performance and build confidence in key areas.

Comprehending complex vocabulary. Grasping nuanced grammar rules. Interpreting reading passages quickly and accurately. As a high school educator, you know these can be hurdles as you’re preparing English Language Learners (ELLs) for standardized tests including the SAT and ACT. Understanding these challenges is the first step in helping your ELL or English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

Accommodations to Support English Language Learners

The SAT and ACT offer accommodations to give ELL/ESL students equal opportunities to show their knowledge and skills.

For the SAT, students can get 50% extended testing time (for a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes), test directions translated into 18 languages, and word-to-word bilingual dictionaries.¹ These supports can help ease some of the language-related challenges English Language Learners face. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a U.S. school, classified as English learners by their state or federal policy, and supported by similar accommodations in class or for other assessments. Requests for extended time must be submitted by the school’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinator through the College Board’s® EL Supports tool in SSD Online about four weeks before testing.

The ACT offers similar accommodations.² Additionally, ELL students can request to test in a small group or familiar environment. Eligibility criteria are similar to those of the SAT, requiring students to have limited English proficiency, be actively participating in an English language acquisition program, and use similar supports in the classroom.

Key Strategies for Teaching ELL Students Preparing for the SAT/ACT

Creating a study plan tailored to your students' needs should focus on improving grammar, targeting weaknesses, and tracking progress. Regular practice with real SAT/ACT questions can familiarize them with the test format and build confidence while also helping with:³

Grammar Improvement:

Emphasize the most commonly tested grammar rules. Encourage your students to read a wide range of texts to improve their understanding of syntax and structure. Have them practice writing essays to strengthen their writing skills.
Understanding Math Concepts:

Grasping word problems and math vocabulary is important for both tests. Focus on key math terms and have your ELL students practice solving word problems.
Reading Comprehension:

Help your students practice using a bilingual dictionary to decipher vocabulary words while reading texts closely. Focus on identifying the main purpose, vocabulary, and details. Use practice tests to build familiarity with the test format and question types.
Targeted Test Prep:

Provide your students with opportunities for self-study, school-based SAT classes, 1-on-1 tutoring, and online programs such as UWorld that identify strengths and weaknesses and provide detailed feedback and answer explanations.
Practice Tests:

Use free official practice tests to identify strengths and weaknesses. Help your students analyze mistakes and keep working through timed practice tests to improve their pacing.

Build a Strong Vocabulary Foundation

A robust vocabulary is key to SAT/ACT success. Focusing on high-frequency vocabulary terms is more beneficial for ELL students than learning complex or advanced words. Tools such as flashcards and word lists can help build their vocabulary.

High-Frequency Vocabulary:

Concentrate on essential terms that frequently appear on the tests. Tailor vocabulary lists to individual students’ needs and gradually introduce more words as they master the basics.
Cognates for Romance Language Speakers:

Utilize cognates to help students make quick connections and remember vocabulary faster. For example, Spanish-speaking students can benefit from learning words like "evaluation" (evaluación) and "information" (información).
Resources:

Build student word-to-word bilingual dictionary skills and then use UWorld’s Online Preparation for the SAT/ACT Exams to create customized vocabulary flashcards.

ELL Vocabulary Resources

UWorld’s Online Preparation for the SAT/ACT: Our platform allows students to create customized flashcards using an ELL-specific SAT/ACT vocabulary list. This feature helps reinforce vocabulary knowledge through active recall and spaced repetition, which are proven methods for effective learning.
Examword.com’s ESL ACT Vocabulary List: Examword.com offers a comprehensive ESL ACT Vocabulary List designed to help ELL students improve their vocabulary skills. The site provides definitions, example sentences, and practice exercises to support vocabulary development tailored specifically for the ACT.
The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Book of Lists: This resource book offers a variety of lists that can help teachers support their ELL students. It includes vocabulary lists, grammar points, idioms, and practical activities that can be integrated into classroom instruction to enhance language learning.

Improve Reading Comprehension Skills

Focusing on reading comprehension is vital for the SAT/ACT. Strategies for ELL students include summarizing texts, practicing with reading passages, and focusing on main ideas. Breaking texts into smaller parts can help students manage lengthy passages.

Reading for Main Ideas:

Teach students to extract the most important information from each paragraph. Encourage them to practice this skill with various texts.
Math Word Problems:

Have students practice identifying numerical information within word problems. Focus on understanding the language and context of the problems.
Words in Context:

Help students study how words can change meaning depending on their usage. This skill is crucial for understanding long passages on the SAT and ACT.
Reading Graphs and Charts:

Assist students in practicing interpreting information from charts and graphs, which are common in the ACT science section.

ELL Reading Resources:

LibGuides’ English as a Second Language (ESL) Resource Guide: Reading: LibGuides provides an extensive reading resource guide for ESL learners. It offers a selection of reading materials, strategies for english language learners to improve reading comprehension, and tools to help students practice and develop their reading skills effectively.
MyEnglishPages’ Reading Comprehension Resources for ESL Learners: MyEnglishPages offers a range of reading comprehension resources tailored to ESL learners. The site includes reading passages, questions, and exercises that help students practice and improve their comprehension skills in a structured manner.

Enhance Writing and Grammar Skills

Writing and grammar can be particularly challenging for ELL/ESL students. Focus on teaching essential language chunks, punctuation, and time management.

Language Chunks:

Teach transitional words and phrases that can strengthen your students’ essay writing. Have them practice using these in different contexts.
Punctuation:

Spend time teaching punctuation rules. Have students practice using colons, dashes, semicolons, commas, and apostrophes in sentences.
Proofreading:

Encourage your students to proofread their essays, focusing on common mistakes to ensure clarity and correctness.

ELL Writing/Grammar Resources

Framingham State University’s English as a Second Language Grammar Resources: This site provides a collection of grammar resources specifically for ESL students. It includes grammar rules, practice exercises, and instructional materials designed to help students master English grammar.
LibGuides’ Writing Center Resources for ESL Students: The LibGuides Writing Center offers targeted resources to help ESL students improve their writing skills. It includes guides on essay writing, grammar tips, and tools for practicing and refining writing techniques, all aimed at enhancing students' academic writing proficiency.

How to Utilize UWorld’s Resources for SAT/ACT Prep

We offer a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance your students' SAT/ACT prep experience. By leveraging these resources, you can tailor your teaching strategies for ELL students to meet each student's unique needs.

Give Customizable Practice Tests

We offer customizable practice tests that help your students focus on specific areas of difficulty. Practicing with real SAT/ACT questions can build familiarity and confidence, helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Utilize Active Learning Features

Our active learning features support personalized study plans, helping your students learn at their own pace. These tools allow for targeted practice, focusing on areas that need the most improvement.

Read Detailed Explanations and Feedback

We provide detailed explanations for each question, helping your students understand their mistakes and learn from them. Clear and informative feedback ensures continuous improvement.

Additional Tips for Supporting ELL Students

Supporting English Language Learners requires tailored strategies to address their unique challenges. Implementing these additional tips can improve their learning experience and help them achieve greater academic success.

Assess English Language Learners

Regularly assessing your students' proficiency levels can help you track their progress and adjust study plans accordingly. Continuous assessment helps identify areas needing improvement and celebrates growth.

Create a Supportive Learning Environment

Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment by providing encouragement and positive reinforcement. Engage parents and other educators in the prep journey, creating a community that supports your students' success.

References

College Board. (n.d.). Supports for English learners. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://support.satsuite.collegeboard.org/in-school-testing/accommodations/supports-english-learners
Piqosity. (n.d.). ACT accommodations for English language learners. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://www.piqosity.com/act-accommodations-english-language-learners/
TutorNerds. (n.d.). 5 ways to help ESL students study for the ACT and SAT. Retrieved July 23, 2024, from https://tutornerds.com/learning-blog/5-ways-to-help-esl-students-study-for-the-act-and-sat/