By Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez, Principal, Potter Junior High School
As the principal of a junior high school, and as a former English learner, one of my greatest responsibilities is ensuring that our students leave eighth grade prepared for success in high school, college, and future careers. One area that deserves greater attention is the importance of students reclassifying from English Learner (EL) status before entering ninth grade.
Reclassification is more than a label change. It is an important milestone that demonstrates a student is ready to succeed independently in grade-level coursework taught in English. More importantly, reclassifying before high school opens the door to greater academic opportunities and flexibility.
Students who continue into high school as Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) often face challenges that many families may not fully understand. LTELs are students who have attended U.S. schools for six or more years and have not yet met the criteria for English proficiency. While many are conversationally fluent, they may still need support with academic reading and writing skills.
One major implication of remaining classified as an English Learner in high school is enrollment in designated English Language Development (ELD) courses. ELD classes provide valuable support and help students strengthen academic English skills. However, these classes also affect a student’s overall high school schedule.
In many cases, an ELD class replaces an elective course, meaning means students may lose opportunities to participate in classes that spark creativity, build leadership skills, or expose them to career pathways. Courses such as music, art, leadership, engineering, agriculture, computer science, and Career Technical Education (CTE) are often what keep students engaged and connected to school.
Remaining an LTEL can also affect progress toward completing A-G requirements, the college preparatory courses required for admission into California’s public universities, including the University of California and California State University systems. Because high school schedules are limited, required ELD courses can reduce opportunities for students to enroll in world language courses, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, visual and performing arts, or electives that strengthen college applications.
Another concern that deserves attention is the impact labels can sometimes have on expectations. Although many teachers advocate strongly for English learners, students who remain classified as LTELs may occasionally encounter lower academic expectations or be placed in less rigorous coursework. Some educators may unintentionally assume students are not ready for advanced classes or leadership opportunities simply because they are still identified as English learners. Over time, those lowered expectations can affect confidence, motivation, and access to opportunities. Our students deserve to be challenged, supported, and held to high standards.
Middle school is a critical window of opportunity. It is the time when schools and families must work together to ensure students receive the support necessary to reclassify before entering high school. Strong attendance, consistent reading habits, participation in tutoring and interventions, and regular communication between parents and teachers all play an important role in helping students reach this goal.
Schools should commit to providing targeted support, high-quality instruction, and intervention opportunities to help students build the academic language skills necessary for reclassification. Moreover, schools should celebrate reclassification because it represents years of perseverance, growth, and achievement and highlights the importance of biliteracy.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide every student with access to as many opportunities as possible. Reclassifying before high school allows students greater freedom to explore electives, stay on track for college eligibility, and participate fully in all aspects of the high school experience.
Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed; helping them reclassify before high school is one important way we can help make that future possible.
