ELLs Raise Proficiency Rates in Reading, Math, Study Finds

Big gaps in achievement remain between English-learners and other students.

The percentage of English-language learners nationwide attaining proficiency in reading and math on state tests increased in many states between 2005 and 2008, says a report by the Washington-based Center on Education Policy.

That increase was present at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, though it was less prevalent in high school than at the other levels, according to the center’s analysis.

But while the study found positive trends in test scores for ELLs in the school years 2005-06 through 2007-08, it notes that the gaps in reading and math achievement between ELLs and non-ELLs remains huge in many states. The analysis didn’t look at whether that gap narrowed or widened in states...