What is LEP (Limited English Proficiency)

LEP (Limited English Proficiency) is a term used to describe students and individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.

LEP stands for Limited English Proficiency. It is a term used in federal law and education to describe individuals — particularly students — who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English at a level sufficient to fully participate in educational programs or other activities conducted in English.

LEP in Education

In the K–12 school context, LEP students are often referred to as:

• English Language Learners (ELLs) — preferred term in education
• English Learners (ELs) — current preferred federal term
• English as a Second Language (ESL) students

All three terms describe students who qualify for language support services due to limited English proficiency.

Federal Law and LEP

LEP status is specifically defined in Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Under federal law, schools receiving Title III funds must:

• Identify LEP students through home language surveys and English language proficiency assessments
• Provide language instruction educational programs
• Ensure LEP students can participate meaningfully in all educational programs
• Report LEP students' progress on annual English proficiency assessments

Identifying LEP Students

Schools typically identify LEP students through a two-step process:

1. Home Language Survey — Parents indicate whether a language other than English is spoken at home
2. English Language Proficiency Test — Students who indicate another home language are tested using a standardized assessment (e.g., WIDA ACCESS, ELPA21)

Services for LEP Students

LEP students may receive:

• Pull-out ESL instruction — Students receive dedicated English language instruction apart from regular class
• Push-in ESL support — An ESL specialist works alongside the student in the general education classroom
• Sheltered instruction — Core content taught with language support strategies embedded
• Bilingual education — Instruction in both the student's home language and English
• Dual language programs — Both English-speaking and non-English-speaking students learn in two languages

Civil Rights Obligations

Under Lau v. Nichols (1974), the Supreme Court ruled that schools that fail to provide adequate support for LEP students violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, as receiving federal funds while providing inadequate services constitutes national origin discrimination.