Limited English proficiency

Limited English proficiency (LEP) is a term used in the United States that refers to a person who is not fluent in the English language, often because it is not their native language. Both LEP and English-language learner (ELL) are terms used by the Office for Civil Rights, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Education.

According to data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau and Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) data, LEP individuals accounted for 9% of the U.S. population over the age of five.[1]

The definition of "limited English proficiency" varies between states and within state districts.[2]

  1. ^ "Limited English Proficiency Individuals in the United States: Number, Share, Growth, and Linguistic Diversity". Migration Policy Institute. December 2011.
  2. ^ Abedi, Jamal. "The No Child Left Behind Act and English Language Learners: Assessment and Accountability Issues" (PDF). Oregon Department of Education. Retrieved 25 July 2014.