English Learner Students
This indicator shows the number and percentage of students identified as English Learners (EL) among all enrolled students. Counts are based on district-reported enrollment and English Learner status submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.
Source
Source Description
ED Data Express
ED Data Express is a comprehensive platform developed by the U.S. Department of Education to provide easy access to educational data for policymakers, researchers, educators, and the public. The site compiles a wide range of information on student performance, school characteristics, and demographic trends, sourced from key federal data collections like the Common Core of Data (CCD) and the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC).
Designed to support data-driven decision-making, the platform offers tools for visualizing, analyzing, and comparing data across states, school districts, and subgroups. ED Data Express aims to promote transparency and equity in education by making critical data readily available to advance the educational outcomes of all students.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – ED Data Express
Methodology
Data for this analysis were obtained from the U.S. Department of Education’s ED Data Express for the 2022–2023 school year for school districts receiving Title III funding. Title III is designed to improve educational outcomes for English learners by helping them develop English proficiency and meet challenging state academic standards. The program also provides enhanced instructional opportunities for immigrant students. 1
Student counts and program participation data were reported at the school district level and aggregated to calculate county- and state-level totals.
The percentage of English learner students in a given district, county, or state is calculated using the following formula:
Calculations include only schools with valid (unsuppressed) data. Percentage values are suppressed when total enrollment is fewer than 10 students or when no valid data are reported.
For more information on the survey, data sources, and reports, visit
ED Data Express.
1. Definition of an English learner
Consistent with Section 8101(20) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
(ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), an
English learner is an individual who:
- Is 3 through 21 years of age;
- Is enrolled in or preparing to enroll in an elementary or secondary school;
-
Meets one of the following conditions:
- Was not born in the United States or has a native language other than English;
- Is a Native American, Alaska Native, or native resident of an outlying area whose environment has significantly affected English language proficiency; or
- Is migratory, has a native language other than English, and comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant.
-
Has difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English sufficient to affect the ability to:
- Meet challenging state academic standards;
- Succeed in classrooms where instruction is conducted in English; or
- Participate fully in society.
Data Breakouts Available
- English Learner Students by Language
- English Learner Students by Race/Ethnicity
- English Learner Students by Grade Level