Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Select States
These fact sheets provide a sketch of key characteristics of the foreign-born and English Learner (EL) populations in select states. The fact sheets are intended to equip community organizations, policymakers, and others with an understanding of the state demographic context and some of the basics of EL policies under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was enacted in December 2015, and the predecessor No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), in effect from 2002 through December 2015.
The fact sheets, which can be accessed below, look at the demographics of these states, including the entire state population, using U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) data, and EL students as reported by state governments. They also examine EL student outcomes as measured by standardized tests and conclude with a brief overview of state accountability mechanisms that affect ELs under relevant provisions of ESSA and the earlier NCLB.
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New York State
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington State
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in California
Historically, California has been a destination for substantial numbers of immigrants in the United States, with the state home to about one-quarter of the U.S. foreign-born population. The most recent data from the California Department of Education indicate EL enrollment represents 22 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 1,373,106 students.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Colorado
In 2014, approximately 538,244 foreign-born individuals resided in Colorado, accounting for 10 percent of the population. EL enrollment represents 14 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 128,041 students, according to the most recent data from the Colorado Department of Education.
Approximately 3,973,515 immigrants resided in Florida in 2014, accounting for 20 percent of the population. The most recent data from the Florida Department of Education indicate EL enrollment represents 12 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 294,309 students.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Georgia
In 2014, approximately 994,651 foreign-born individuals resided in Georgia, accounting for 10 percent of the population. EL enrollment represents 8 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 148,985 students, according to the most recent data from the Georgia Department of Education.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Illinois
About 1,784,403 immigrants resided in Illinois in 2014, representing 14 percent of the population. The most recent data from the Illinois State Board of Education indicate EL enrollment represents 11 percent of the total preK-12 student population, or 222,667 students.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Massachusetts
In 2014, approximately 1,052,382 foreign-born individuals resided in Massachusetts, accounting for 16 percent of state residents. EL enrollment represents 9 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 85,762 students, according to the most recent data from the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Minnesota
About 428,057 foreign-born individuals resided in Minnesota in 2014, accounting for 8 percent of the state population. The most recent data from the Minnesota Department of Education indicate EL enrollment represents 8 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 71,481 students.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in New York State
In 2014, approximately 4,465,469 foreign-born individuals resided in New York State, accounting for 23 percent of New Yorkers. EL enrollment represents 8 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 217,198 students, according to the most recent data from the NY State Education Department.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in North Carolina
Approximately 763,584 foreign-born individuals resided in North Carolina in 2014, representing 8 percent of the population. The most recent data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction indicate EL enrollment represents 6 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 99,513 students.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Tennessee
In 2014, approximately 321,258 foreign-born individuals resided in Tennessee, accounting for 5 percent of the state population. EL enrollment represents 5 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 45,739 students, according to the most recent state data.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Texas
About 4,522,428 foreign-born individuals resided in Texas in 2014, accounting for 17 percent of the population. The most recent data from the Texas Education Agency indicate EL enrollment represents 19 percent of the total preK-12 student population, or 980,487 students.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Virginia
In 2014, approximately 1,005,620 foreign-born individuals resided in Virginia, accounting for 12 percent of state residents. EL enrollment represents 12 percent of the total K-12 student population, or 154,020 students, according to the most recent data from the Virginia Department of Education.
Facts about English Learners and the NCLB/ESSA Transition in Washington State
Approximately 944,746 foreign-born individuals resided in Washington State in 2014, representing 13 percent of the state population. The most recent data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction show that 119,844 ELs were enrolled in the state, representing 11 percent of the total K-12 student population.
