Given that English learners (ELs) comprise one of the fastest growing populations in PK–12 environments, long‐term English learners (LTELs) form one subgroup that provokes particular concern. This article explores current understandings of the LTEL designation and discusses diagnostic processes and assessment tools for determining English language proficiency. Complexities of referring ELs/LTELs for special education are then probed with regard to drawing the careful line between language proficiency processes and special education needs. Finally, the authors present possible interventions for LTELs, including the Internationals Network as a large‐scale intervention model, followed by smaller scale interventions made on behalf of LTELs in existing schools. The article concludes with strategies and suggestions toward better outcomes for LTELs in school.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.