| Long term English learners (LTELs) and reclassified fluent English proficient students (RFEPs) begin their education as English learners (ELs) -- students with limited proficiency in academic English. Once identified as English learners, students must meet a set of criteria established by their local school district, in accordance with state guidelines. When they do so, their language classification changes from LEP (limited English proficient) or the synonymous term, EL (English learner), to RFEP (reclassified fluent English proficient). Many ELs are not making the transition from limitation to proficiency during the course of their schooling. When English learners fail to reclassify after six years of English language instruction, support, and interventions, they are considered long term English learners (LTELs). LTELs may be categorized into three major subgroups: a) students newly arrived to the country literate in their home language, b) students newly arrived to the country not literate in their home language, and c) U.S. born students or those who have lived here since infancy and have been educated in U.S. schools all of their lives (Freeman, Freeman, & Mercuri, 2002). This study focuses on the third subgroup. This study seeks to understand the difference between students educated in the United States who have reclassified and those who have not reclassified. The data were first analyzed looking for similarities and differences between the two groups of RFEP and LTEL students. Results reveal that both groups of students were either born in the United States or arrived here as very young children. Most did not know their language classification, although most students also indicated that they think this is important information. Only 13% of LTELS and 9% of RFEPS could accurately describe the process of reclassification. This study suggests that LTEL students do not fully grasp why they are still classified as long term English learners, and RFEP students did not actively know about or participate in their reclassification. |
