In which area are literacy issues more likely to arise for Spanish ELLs?

Reading comprehension or fluency is a critical area where literacy issues often arise for Spanish ELLs. This difficulty can stem from several factors, including the transfer of language skills from Spanish to English and the differences in phonetic structures between the two languages. Spanish-speaking students may struggle with understanding complex texts in English, as they may not yet have fully developed their vocabulary in the new language.

Moreover, reading comprehension not only involves the ability to decode words but also to understand context, infer meaning, and relate personal experiences to the text—all skills that can be particularly challenging when learning a new language. Spanish ELLs might find it difficult to engage with the nuances of English texts due to differences in cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and discourse structures, which can further impede fluency and overall comprehension.