English Language Learners

At its most basic level, the term English language learners (ELLs) refers to students who do not have an English language background but are working to become competent speakers, readers, and writers of English in school. This can present a daunting challenge, in that while learning the language, they are also trying to acquire the necessary curricular content in English to become academically successful as well as competing for grades with their English-dominant peers. ELL has replaced the formerly common label limited English proficient (LEP). Critics argued that the word limited in limited English proficient reflects a deficit view of the student—implying that the student lacks the necessary skills in English to compete successfully in the classroom with his or her English-dominant peers. In contrast, ...