Inconsistent English-Learner Data Collection Poses Challenges for Educators, Policymakers
January 8, 2020
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) included several requirements to provide greater equity for English language learners. However, according to Education Week, “in at least 28 states, more than 1 in 5 districts have no information reported for the past three years of available [English-learner] data.” Discrepancies in how states report this data—or whether they report it at all—make it harder for researchers “to craft reports and propose policy on the state and national level.” Moreover, “districts’ definitions of who is an English-language learner—and whether and how long they remain in that category and continue to receive services—vary widely,” posing additional challenges and complications.