English language proficiency (ELP) assessments are used to measure students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills defined in states’ English language proficiency standards. ELP assessments have two main purposes.

Approximately 14% of ELs attained proficiency in English (based on the ELP cutoff scores), about 27% made progress,2 and about 34% of ELs did not make progress or attain proficiency. Puerto Rico and Colorado had the highest percentage of EL students who attained proficiency, with 26.3% and 25.2%, respectively.

Limited English proficiency (LEP) refers to anyone above the age of 5 who reported speaking English less than ‘very well’, as classified by the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 19 percent (4.7 million) of LEP individuals were born in the United States, most to immigrant parents.

English proficiency levels are evolving at different rates in different countries, including a few countries with declining English skills. [ 11 ] Europe has the highest proficiency in English, while the Middle East averages the lowest. [ 12 ] Below are the latest country scores, proficiency bands, and rankings as published in 2023.