Almost One-Quarter of California Public School Students Are English Learners
Although the percentage of California public school students classified as English Learners has decreased slightly over the last five years, nearly one in four students (23.2%) were English Learners in 2011, according to data newly posted on www.kidsdata.org.
The percentage of English Learners varies widely across California counties, with the highest percentage in Imperial County (42.5%) in 2011 and the lowest in Tuolumne County (1.6%). Find data for your county or school district >>
According to 2010 data (most recent available), approximately 85 percent of the 1.4 million students with limited English proficiency spoke Spanish as their primary language. Vietnamese (2.5%), Filipino (1.4%), and Cantonese (1.4%) were the next most common primary languages. Sixty different primary languages are reported among California students classified as English Learners.
Research shows that children in families with a primary language other than English experience disparities in health status, quality of health care services, and access to care, compared to children with English as a primary household language. Academically, children with limited English proficiency tend to have lower test scores than their native English-speaking peers, which can have implications for educational attainment and later socioeconomic success. More >>
English Language Learners, by Most Common Languages Spoken
Arabic
Among the top 10 languages spoken for English Learners in California public schools, Arabic saw the biggest percentage increase from 1998-2010 (73%).
Map of Local Data>>
Armenian
Among the top 10 languages spoken for California English Learners, Armenian saw a big decline (45% from 1998-2010).
Map of Local Data>>
Cantonese
California counties with the most Cantonese English Learners in public schools in 2010: Los Angeles (6,305), San Francisco (4,599), Alameda (3,374).
Map of Local Data>>
Filipino
Counties with the most Filipino English Learners in public schools in 2010: Los Angeles (4,397), San Diego (3,164), Santa Clara (2,301).
Map of Local Data>>
Hmong
Among the top 10 languages spoken for California public school English Learners, Hmong saw the biggest percentage decline from 1998-2010 (46%).
Map of Local Data>>
Punjabi
California counties with the most Punjabi English Learners in public schools in 2010: Fresno (1,035), San Joaquin (969), Sacramento (921).
Map of Local Data>>
Korean
California counties with the most Korean English Learners in public schools in 2010: Los Angeles (6,182), Orange (4,011), Santa Clara (1,020).
Map of Local Data>>
Mandarin
In 2010, Los Angeles County had the most Mandarin English Learners of all California counties (4,884); however, Mandarin English Learners comprised 1.2% of that county’s English Learner population.
Map of Local Data>>
Spanish
The vast majority of English Learners in California public schools (approximately 85% in 2010) have Spanish as a first language.
Map of Local Data>>
Vietnamese
California counties with the most Vietnamese English Learners in public schools 2010: Orange (12,430), Santa Clara (8,406), Los Angeles (3,896).
Map of Local Data>>
Tell Your Friends and Colleagues
Those who work to improve the health and well being of children often require assistance in making their case. As a foundation devoted to bringing attention to key children's health issues, we want to make sharing up-to-date, reliable data as easy as possible. Please forward this announcement to your friends and colleagues who work on behalf of kids. |
Find more info about English Learners, including why it's important, policy implications, and key reports/websites.
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