What, Exactly, is an “English Learner” Student?

March 25, 2013

Because no two students are alike, developing a common definition for “English learner” will be tough. But it can be done, says WIDA researcher H. Gary Cook. States will need to coordinate their work and communicate frequently about initial student identification, classification, and reclassification. A refined understanding of English language proficiency will emerge as assessments come on line, teachers begin to teach to the Common Core State Standards, and educational systems align to the expectations of college- and career- readiness. More information is available here.