The State of Reclassification

This brief presents key findings on English-Learner classified students (ELs) in California and their reclassification, offering valuable insights for policymakers and educators.

Researchers depict trends in English-Learner classified student reclassification rates.

Key findings include:

• The number of Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) students has shown an upward trend, with an increase from 183,272 in 2017 to 193,899 in 2018.
• The overall enrollment of ELs has declined from 1,332,405 in 2017 to 1,062,290 in 2021.
• The percentage of ELs in the overall enrollment has decreased from 21.4% in 2017 to 17.7% in 2021.
• The reclassification rate for ELs has varied, with the highest rate of 14.6% in 2018 and the lowest rate of 6.9% in 2021.
• In the top 10 largest districts, the proportion of ELs who are Long-Term English-Learner classified students (LTELs) ranges from 13.1% to 21.9%.
• The percentage of Ever-ELs who are RFEP in the top 10 districts ranges from 37.1% to 53.9%.

This brief is part of The Landscape of Language Learners in California’s MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) series.