The term EL (English Learner) refers to students who are in the process of developing the English language proficiency needed to succeed in English-medium classrooms.  Federal legislation refers to the term limited English proficient (LEP) to describe the same group of people.

According to Section 9101 of Title IX, an LEP student:

- is between the ages of 3 and 21

-is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary or secondary school;

-has one of these three profiles:

          *Was not born in the USA or speaks a native language other than English

          *Is a Native American, and Alaskan Native, or a native resident of the outlaying areas, and

           comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact

           on his or her level of English language proficiency.

          *Is migratory, has a native language other than English, and comes from an environment

           where a language other than English is dominant.