ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER DEFINITION

English Learner Definition

In South Dakota, an English learner is classified according to the Federal government definition as described in ESEA Section 3201(5). An English learner student is classified as one:

a)  who is aged 3 through 21

b) who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school;

c)  Must meet either  (i), (ii), OR (iii).  If Part (ii), them must meet both (I) and(II)

(i) who was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English;
(ii)  (I) who is a Native American or Alaska Native, or a native resident of outlying areas; - AND-
    (II) who comes from an environment where  language other than English had a significant
          impact on the individual’s level of English language proficiency;
  (iii) who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; - 

AND

d) Whose difficulties speaking reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual - Must meet either (i), (ii), or (iii)

(i) the ability to meet the challenging State academic standards;
(ii) the ability to achieve successfully in classrooms where the language of instruction is English; - OR -
(iii) the opportunity to participate fully in society.