Four-stage framework for a common English learner definition: identify, classify, establish an English-proficient standard, and reclassify

Design · All designs
Evidence · no claims cited

Description

The paper organizes the entire EL definitional process around four stages adapted from a National Research Council panel report: "1) identify a student as a potential English learner; 2) classify (confirm/disconfirm) a student as an English learner; 3) establish an 'English-language proficient' performance standard on the state/consortium English language proficiency (ELP) test"; and 4) reclassify to former-EL status through multiple exit criteria. The framework is intended to help consortium member states "systematically review and document existing practices" and align instruments, policies, and practices within states, across states within a consortium, and across consortia.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• Consortium member states must explicitly define their approaches to the four key steps and establish mechanisms to move toward sufficient convergence or alignment over time

Constraints

• The framework is adapted from an NRC (2011) panel report on comparability of state procedures for identifying, classifying, and reclassifying English learners
• Fulfilling the common definition requirement is described as presenting substantial challenges requiring a carefully coordinated, multiyear effort proceeding in stages

Target Learners

• K-12 students potentially or actually classified as English learners

Learning Goals

• English language proficiency sufficient to access academic content instruction and participate fully in society

Claims

Related Designs

Examples

-

Key Sources

• Linquanti, R., & Cook, H. G. (2013). Toward a "Common Definition of English Learner": Guidance for States and State Assessment Consortia in Defining and Addressing Policy and Technical Issues and Options. Council of Chief State School Officers. http://www.ccsso.org

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	four-stage-common-el-definition-framework
title	Four-stage framework for a common English learner definition: identify, classify, establish an English-proficient standard, and reclassify
description	The paper organizes the entire EL definitional process around four stages adapted from a National Research Council panel report: "1) identify a student as a potential English learner; 2) classify (confirm/disconfirm)...
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-09
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — linquanti-2013

Frontmatter is the page's machine-readable record — see the Schema & Guide.