Questions: In considering how to respond to Boris and Vera interacting in their home language as they work on class assignments, Ms. Gruber should recognize that such use of the home language by English Language Learners is most likely to A. reduce the rate at which they are able to achieve full English proficiency. B. enhance their interest and motivation regarding school and learning. C. hinder their ability to be fully integrated socially in the classroom. D. facilitate their understanding of and ability to learn instructional content.

The answer is D. facilitate their understanding of and ability to learn instructional content.

While it might seem that using their home language could slow down English acquisition, research shows that maintaining and using the home language can actually support learning English. It helps students understand complex concepts in their native language, which can then be transferred to English.

Using their home language can indeed enhance interest and motivation, but this option is not as directly related to the understanding and learning of instructional content as option D.

Using their home language might create some social barriers if other students do not understand it, but this is not a primary concern in the context of learning instructional content.

Research supports the idea that using the home language can help students grasp complex concepts, which they can then apply in English. This bilingual approach can enhance cognitive development and academic achievement, making it the most likely outcome in this context.