Limited English Proficient Learners

Limited English Lerners

The Limited English Proficient (LEP) population is growing both locally and nationally. This expanding group of LEP individuals not only has a wide range of skills and English proficiency, but barriers to being fulfilling their educational and employment journeys. Professionals working with LEP students can use these recommended resources to address barriers and identify strategies to assist students in achieving their educational and employment journeys.


The Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 include limited English proficient individuals meeting one of the following definitions:

  • Individuals who were not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English.
  • Individuals who come from environments where a language other than English is dominant.
  • Individuals who are American Indians or Alaskan Natives who come from an environment where the language is other than English and where this has had a significant impact on their English language proficiency.
  • Individuals who, by reasons thereof, have sufficient difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English that they may be denied the opportunity to learn successfully in classrooms where the language of instruction is English or to participate in society.