Long-Term English Learners

Definition

Long-Term ELs (L-TELs) are English Learners who still have not achieved full English proficiency after 5-6 years of English language instruction and support.

Most of the time, L-TELs do not have strong literacy skills in any language. They didn't have an opportunity to learn to read and write in their native language because they were born in the US, they came to the US at a young age, or they didn't have access to formal education in the home country (often due to war or natural disaster). Native language literacy skills transfer to English, so students who have poor native language literacy will also struggle with English literacy.

Information and Resources for L-TELs

• Recommendations for Long-Term English Learners - Language Magazine, 14 April 2022.

• Building Momentum With Long-Term English Learners - Edutopia, 1 July 2021.

• Ways to Support Long-Term English Language Learners - Education Week, 17 Jan 2020.

• An Asset-Based Approach to Support ELL Success - ASCD, 23 Jan 2020.

• Research in Action: Ramping Up Support for Long-Term ELLs - ASCD, 1 Dec 2019.

• Helping English-Learners Break Through Plateaus - Education Week, 19 Dec 2016.

• For Stalled ELL Students, Graduation is Often an Elusive Goal - Education Week, 11 May 2016