English Learner Program

An English Learner (EL) student in Idaho is classified according to the Federal government definition as described in Public Law 107-110 of NCLB. An EL student is classified as one:

a. who is aged 3 through 21 who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary
school or secondary school; who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an
elementary school or secondary school;

b.

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

c. whose difficulties speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be
sufficient to deny the individual

(i.) the ability to meet the State’s proficient level of achievement on State assessments
described in section 1111(b)(3);
(ii.) the ability to achieve successfully in classrooms where the language of instruction is
English; -OR-
(iii.) the opportunity to participate fully in society.

[P.L. 107-110, Title IX, Part A, Sec. 9101, (25)]

For more information, reference the Idahos State Department of Education EL website.