Which English Learners Count When? Understanding State Subgroup Definitions in ESSA Reporting

This brief examines the issues surrounding states' ESSA data reports on the English learner (EL) subgroup. It first reviews the definition of EL and then discusses the variance that exists in states' practices for identifying ELs. It also provides a refresher on what data states are required to report under ESSA about their EL subgroup. However, the EL subgroup data may or may not include different populations of ELs such as Newcomers, Students with Interrupted Formal Education, Long-Term ELs, or Former ELs. The brief's author recommends breaking data out further for these groups of ELs in order to better understand the English proficiency and academic performance of the EL subgroup. With greater clarity as to exactly who is included in the data, the information can inform how schools and the multiple segments of the EL population are doing.