The School District of Philadelphia’s English Learner (EL) population includes students from over 130 countries who speak over 100 different languages. ELs often require more supports than their non-EL counterparts to succeed academically while simultaneously learning English, and may thrive in settings that incorporate culturally and linguistically appropriate instruction adapted to their home language and culture.

There are multiple pathways for EL enrollment changes from one year to the next year:

By tracking the enrollment trends of ELs in SDP, we can identify Learning Networks that have growing EL populations and allocate resources to accommodate for the programs and supports that benefit ELs.

Key Findings

• Although overall enrollment in SDP has declined from 2015-16 to 2019-20, the percentage of Current ELs at SDP increased during the same period.
• The percentage of Former ELs declined from 2015-16 to 2018-19.
• Higher rates of increase from 2015-16 to 2019-20 for Current ELs were found for Learning Networks 4, 8, 9, and 10, ELs in 3rd through 9th grade, and Hispanic/Latinx and White ELs.
• Higher rates of decrease from 2015-16 to 2019-20 for Former ELs were found for Learning Networks 1, 8, 9, 10, and 13, ELs in 4th through 11th grade, and Asian ELs.

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