A Look at Dual Language Learner Data Gaps

In 2018, New America provided nine recommendations for how state leaders can improve DLL data practices in three areas: (1) screening, identifying, and tracking DLL enrollment; (2) evaluating program quality; and (3) assessing learning outcomes.

 Since then, no state has addressed all of the recommendations, and no single recommendation has been adopted by all states. This brief synthesizes recent interviews with state and national ECE leaders who are actively working to address DLL data gaps. Each section includes a summary of the original brief, an update on each recommendation, and emerging research or solutions in the topic area. The final section discusses three challenges to closing data gaps.