Identifying and supporting English learner students with learning disabilities: Key issues in the literature and state practice

This report reviews research and policies about ELs with learning disabilities. The report is based on the premise that "two factors have been identified that lead to inconsistent identification of students who may have learning disabilities: a lack of understanding among teachers about why English learner students are not making adequate progress, and poorly designed and implemented referral processes." There are two report components: (1) research on literature consisting of 52 articles or reports discussing the topic of EL and learning disability identification, and (2) an analysis of EL procedures from the 20 states with the largest population of ELs.