ELL (English Language Learner), used by United States governments and school systems, was created by James Crawford of the Institute for Language and Education Policy in an effort to label learners positively, rather than ascribing a deficiency to them.
The English Language Learner (ELL) designation, employed by U.S. government agencies and schools, was created by James Crawford at the Institute for Language and Education Policy to emphasize positive language about students learning English.