The achievement progress of English learner students in Utah

This study examined three cohorts of Utah English learner students over six years. The cohorts were students in kindergarten, grade 3, and grade 6 at the start of the study. Using scores from the previously administered English language proficiency assessment and content knowledge tests in English language arts and math, the study team found that at least 59 percent of English learner students in these cohorts were reclassified as fluent English proficient students over the six-year period. English learner students who were eligible for special education services had the lowest passing rates on all three tests. English learner students in higher grades had lower cumulative passing rates on all three tests than English learner students in lower grades. The overall cumulative passing rate was highest for the English language arts content test, followed by the math content test and the English language proficiency assessment.