Where This Data Comes From
ACCESS Test
The ACCESS test, taken each year by English learners in grades 1–12, which measures growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
Progress
Student progress toward reaching English proficiency, which often takes several years and varies from student to student.
Why This Matters
Students bring rich language skills and cultural knowledge to school. As they build English skills, they can participate more fully in classroom activities, access more academic content, and use both their home language and English to express themselves. This measure helps families understand how well schools support students in developing English while also valuing and building on their home languages.
What It Can & Cannot Tell You
It Can Tell You:
- Can show if English learners at a school are making steady progress each year.
- Can identify schools with strong supports for language development.
It Cannot Tell You:
- Cannot show overall academic achievement—it only measures English language growth.
- Does not mean every student will reach proficiency in the same time frame.
English Learner Progress to Proficiency
English learner progress to proficiency chart
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency -
*Retired Category
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency -
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - All Students
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Economic Disadvantage
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-Economic Disadvantage
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - English Learner
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-English Learner
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Female
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Male
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-Binary
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - IEP
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-IEP
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Asian
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Asian/Pacific Islander*
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Black/African American
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Latinx
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Multiracial
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Native American
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Not Listed
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - White
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-Temporary Living Situation
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Temporary Living Situation
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - All Students
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Economic Disadvantage
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-Economic Disadvantage
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - English Learner
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-English Learner
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Female
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Male
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-Binary
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - IEP
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-IEP
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Asian
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Asian/Pacific Islander*
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Black/African American
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Latinx
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Multiracial
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Native American
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Not Listed
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - White
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Non-Temporary Living Situation
WATERS - English Learner Progress to Proficiency - Temporary Living Situation
Questions You May Ask the School
- How are English learners supported in both language and academics?
- What programs are in place for students who need more time to gain proficiency?
- How is progress shared with families?