Fast Facts

Question:
How many English language learner (ELL) students are receiving services in U.S. public schools?

Response:
In the 2003-04 school year, English language learner (ELL) services were provided to 3.8 million students (11 percent of all students). California and Texas had the largest reported number of students receiving ELL services. In California, there were 1.6 million students (26 percent of all students) who received ELL services; and in Texas, there were 0.7 million students (16 percent of all students) who received ELL services.

NOTE: Estimates are based on schools and agencies reporting. Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee did not report data on ELL students receiving services.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2006). Public Elementary and Secondary Students, Staff, Schools, and School Districts: School Year 2003-04 (NCES 2006�7).

Related Tables and Figures:  (Listed by Release Date)

• 2003, Number and percentage of public elementary and secondary migrant students and number and percentage of students served in English Language Learner (ELL) Programs in the 100 largest districts in the United States: By school district, school year 2001�
  
• 2003, Number and percentage of public school students participating in selected programs, by state: School year 2001-02
  

Other Resources:  (Listed by Release Date)

• 2005, Public Elementary and Secondary Students, Staff, Schools, and School Districts: School Year 2002-03
  
• 2004, English Language Learner Students in US Public Schools: 1994 and 2000
  
• 2001, English Literacy and Language Minorities in the United States