Welcome to our dedicated resource page for English Language Learners (ELL). Whether you are a student, parent, or educator, we aim to provide valuable information and resources to support the learning and development of English language skills.
English language learners are a diverse population of students across the United States. These students come from all over the world. English language learners come from homes that speak another language and/or learn English as an additional language.
Who are English language learners?
English Language Learners (ELL) are students whose first language is not English and who require additional support to achieve proficiency in English. ELL students come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and bring a rich array of experiences to the classroom.
English language learners in the USA speak over 750 languages from all over the world. An interesting fact is that the majority of ELLs are born in the USA. Therefore, approximately 75% of ELLs are born in the United States.
There are several terms that you should know are used to refer to English language learners. Below is a list of terms you might encounter:
| EL—English Learner | is a more recent term often used interchangeably with ELL. It encompasses all students who are learning English in addition to their native language, focusing on their ongoing learning process. |
| ELL—English Language Learner | refers to students whose primary language is not English and who are learning English to achieve proficiency in the language. These learners are often enrolled in specialized programs designed to support their language acquisition and academic development. |
| ESL—English as a Second Language | refers to the educational approach and programs specifically designed to teach English to students whose native language is not English. ESL programs focus on improving students’ English language skills while often providing support in academic subjects. |
| LEP — Limited English Proficient | describes individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. This term is often used in legal and educational contexts to identify students who need language assistance. |
| MLL— Multilingual Learner | refers to students who are learning English in addition to one or more other languages. This term highlights the linguistic assets of these students and emphasizes their ability to navigate multiple languages and cultures. |
Of all the terms used to refer to students learning English, I prefer to use “English learners” when referring to the students I serve who are learning English as an additional language. This term highlights explicitly their journey in acquiring proficiency in English. However, when discussing students who are learning multiple languages, I use the term “multilingual learners” to acknowledge their broader linguistic capabilities and the additional languages they are acquiring alongside English. This distinction helps to accurately represent and respect each group of students’ unique experiences and skills.
Identification of English Learners
The identification of English language learners begins with the completion of a school Home Language Survey (HLS). A home language survey is a document that asks specific language-related questions. All families complete the home language survey during school registration. The home language survey provides information to teachers of English learners to begin identification.
Across the United States, schools must identify potential English language learners. The home language survey allows schools to find potential ELLs by inquiring about the languages spoken in the home or by the child. When a parent notes that another language is spoken at home, this gives an ESL educator to begin the screening process.
***What is a home language survey? | Who is an ESL Teacher, and how do they teach students?***
Screening for language proficiency
Upon the start of school, a language screener determines a student’s English language status. An ESL educator evaluates a student’s English language proficiency to determine in-school language instructional services and supports. In other words, a screener assesses English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A language screener determines whether a child is an English language learner.
A well-known screener is the ACCESS or WIDA test. Students who score below 5.0 on the screener officially qualify as English language learners. Language proficiency or ability is reported as a level of 1-entering, 2-emerging, 3-developing, 4-expanding, 5-bridging, or 6-reaching. The screener assesses a student’s language ability in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Administration and scoring are individually done for each domain. This allows teachers and parents to get an idea of a student’s language ability for each domain.
Transitioning from ESL
Once a student is ESL, he/she is provided with language services and assessed to monitor language progress. Transitioning out of ESL status may take several years. However, some students are able to transition out in one year.
Students transition from ESL services by showing mastery of the English language. For instance, to show mastery a student must obtain a certain score on the annual test. Note that once a student is ESL he/she can show mastery only during the annual test.
The target score for transitioning out of ESL varies from state to state. In some states, a 4.5 or above is enough to show mastery and transition out of ESL; in others, a 4.7 or 5.0 is necessary. Subsequently, when a student transitions out of ESL services, he/she becomes a former English Language Learner.
Annual English Assessment
An annual assessment, similar to the language screener, monitors student language proficiency each school year. It assesses progress in listening, speaking, reading, and writing and yields a proficiency level that describes a student’s language ability.
Similar to the screener, language proficiency reports a student’s language ability in all four domains. The scores report as
Level 1
Entering
Level 2
Emerging
Level 3
Developing
Level 4
Expanding
Level 5
Bridging
Level 6
Reaching
Parenting English Learners
Practical strategies for parents to enhance their child’s English language skills at home, including creating a language-rich environment, fostering communication, and utilizing resources effectively.
Parent Reports
By law, a parent notification is sent home each year to inform parents of a student’s language test result. Parent reports show each domain as an individual score. Learn about parent reports.
How to support your child in a new US school
Support your child’s journey in a new school. Your support is essential for successful adaptation and academic achievement in a new educational environment. See how to support your child.
Learn how kids acquire another language
Practical strategies and valuable resources to enhance your understanding of language acquisition. Participants will explore research-based approaches and practical tools to support language development in diverse learning environments. By delving into proven methods and accessing a range of resources, teachers will be better prepared to facilitate the language acquisition process for their students. Learn more about language acquisition.
Teaching English Learners
Effective strategies and best practices for teaching English Language Learners (ELLs), including differentiated instruction, culturally responsive practices, and engaging lesson plans to support language acquisition and academic growth.
How to Celebrate Language Proficiency Growth
Celebrate language proficiency development with English learners to build confidence and encourage students to try their best. See language proficiency resources.
Professional Learning
Practical strategies and valuable resources to enhance your understanding of language acquisition. Participants will explore research-based approaches and practical tools to support language development in diverse learning environments. By delving into proven methods and accessing a range of resources, teachers will be better prepared to facilitate the language acquisition process for their students. See professional learning resources.
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Is your child an ELL student? Share your experience or ask any questions you may have!