(NAME-MCE) New from EdSource--English Learners in California: What the Numbers Say

Wed Mar 12 10:11:37 EST 2008

Of California's 6.3 million public school students in grades K-12, 1.6
million-or one out of four students-were considered English Learners
(EL) in 2006-07. A new EdSource report, English Learners in
California: What the Numbers Say, describes the state's English
learners, their primary languages, what grades they are in and where
they live. It also discusses variations in English proficiency,
differing reclassification rates from district to district, and how
these students are meeting the state's rigorous academic standards.

Packed with interesting insights into this large but often poorly
understood population, the report also reveals:

·    Nearly half of all students in California come from a home where
a language other than English is spoken.
·    Primary language and socioeconomic status seem to correlate to
students' progress toward English proficiency.
·    Reclassification rates-the extent to which EL students are
reclassified as fluent English proficient (RFEP)-vary from district to
district and do not always track with student performance on state
tests.
·    EL students who have been reclassified fluent English proficient
appear to do better on the California High School Exit Exam than
students whose only language is English.

You can order and download this report online at
www.edsource.org/pub_abs_el08.cfm

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We always look forward to your questions and comments. And if you find this
material useful, we hope you'll let us know! You can contact us at:
edsource at edsource.org.

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