Percentage of Students with Limited Proficiency in English
What does this measure?
This indicator measures the percentage of students identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP), also known as English Language Learners (ELLs), in public school districts across Orange County from 2003-2004 to 2023-2024. It tracks the proportion of students who require additional support to develop proficiency in English, highlighting language diversity and the growing need for bilingual or ESL (English as a Second Language) services within school districts. The data helps inform policy, staffing, and curriculum decisions to meet the needs of students.
Summary Statement
Overall, the data shows a gradual increase in the percentage of LEP students in most districts. For example, the Middletown City School District saw a rise from 8% in 2003-2004 to as high as 15% in 2023-2024. During the same period, Newburgh City School District increased from 11% to 18%. The most dramatic figures come from Kiryas Joel Village Union Free School District, where LEP students consistently made up over 80% of the student body, reaching as high as 92% in 2012-13. This upward trend across many districts suggests a growing population of multilingual students and underscores the importance of language support programs in public education.
Sources
Statistical Profiles of Public School Districts & the NYS Education Department School Report Card
NYS Department of Education School District Report Card
https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/County.do?year=2010&county=Orange
NYS Department of Education School District Report Card
https://reportcards.nysed.gov/view.php?schdist=district&county=44&year=2012
NYS Department of Education Information and Reporting Services School Enrollment - Limited English Proficiency
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/statistics/enroll-n-staff/home.html