State Funding Mechanisms For English Language Learners

Research is clear that English language learners (ELLs) perform better academically and achieve greater language proficiency when they have high-quality English language instruction.1 Like all supplemental services, these necessary supports require additional funding above the average per-student amount. The federal government provides grant funding to states through Part A of Title III to help ELLs with language acquisition and meeting content standards. While Title III dollars offer some support, a 2012 survey found that Title III officials and district administrators believe the funds are helpful but insufficient for ELL services. To address such shortages, 46 states allocate additional state funding dedicated to supporting ELLs. The mechanisms through which ELL funds are allocated can be confusing at best. Without a comprehensive understanding of school finance, it is difficult for policymakers to determine what changes are needed to better support their ELL students. Familiarity with ELL funding allows policymakers to evaluate their own funding models against those from other states, make adjustments and use their state funds to further drive innovation. This brief provides a clear and detailed description of the three ways in which states finance ELLs. Tables at the end of the document shows each state's ELL funding mechanism.