Number and Growth of Students in U.S. Schools in Need of English Instruction, 2009

The children of immigrants represent a growing share of the nation's total child population, rising from 13.5 percent in 1990 to 25 percent today. This fact sheet examines the number and growth of students in U.S. schools in need of English instruction.

The work looks at the increase in the number of students classified as English Language Learners (ELLs), a population that has risen from 3.5 million in 1998 to more than 5 million in 2008, as total enrollment remained basically flat.  The authors examine ELL educational attainment nationwide and by state.

The fact sheet also shows ELL student breakdown by age range and graduation rates compared to their non-ELL peers.