The total count of English Language Learners  shows the number of students learning English as a second language, regardless of their first language. This measurement reflects the diversity and immigration trends of Los Angeles’s population, and how communities are seeking to prepare non-English speaking students for future education and professional life. 

With LA’s population expected to continue to grow more diverse, it is important to acknowledge the difficulties and extra efforts it takes to learn English as a second language. Studies show that a student’s ability to learn English impacts their ability to learn other school subjects. One of the challenges that comes with learning English in school are the diverse life experiences of students’ and the individual needs they may require to learn effectively, such as consideration of cultural differences in communication, immigration status, and previous academic proficiency in their native language. Additionally, local and national attitudes towards immigration may expose EL students to negative rhetoric which has shown to have negative effects on cognitive development and educational progression on children with undocumented parents. This can create an environment where non-English speaking children may not feel safe to learn. 

Other common challenges EL students face are pronunciation struggles, overwhelming vocabulary, grammar rules, cultural differences, and motivation. Research shows that incorporating the students’ native language into instruction increases their English proficiency, along with many other teaching methods. Understanding local trends in EL students around LA allows schools or organizations to determine better practices and allocate necessary resources towards EL studies.  

Written by Justin Culetu