English Learner Texas Logo. 
ENGLISH LEARNERS IN TEXASFACT SHEET #1

An English Learner is a student who is in the process of acquiring English and has 
another language as the primary language. The terms English language learner and 
English learner are used interchangeably and are synonymous with limited English 
Proficient (LEP) student, as used in Texas Education Code 29, Subchapter B.

English Language Learner (ELL) equals
English Learner (EL)

Fast Facts:

20%
of the student 
population in 
Texas public 
schools are 
English 
Learners.

Over 5 million students are enrolled 
in Texas public schools

Texas serves just under1 in 5of the nationŐs English Learners.

8%
of English Learners are 
also receiving 
Special Education services.

Languages in Texas:

90%Spanish

7.2%Other 
languages

1.2%Arabic

1.6%Vietnamese

120+
languages 
spoken in 
Texas public 
schools. 

Source: PEIMS Data 2018-2019

Distribution of English Learners Across Texas:

94% of School 
Districts have 
identified English 
Learners

Map of Texas separated by regions. Region 1 and 19 are darkest with more EL students and regions 2, 5, 15, 14, 17, and 9 being the lightest with the smallest number of EL students. 
Percent of English 
Learners per Regional 
Education Service Center:

0-5%

6-9%

10-15%

16-19%

20-25%

26-29%

30-40%

For more information about Education Service Centers visit: direc.to/eafw

https://www.txel.org/


Texas Education Agency Logo 
512-463-9414