Does English Language Learner (ELL) Identification Predict College Remediation Designation?: A Comparison by Race and Ethnicity, and ELL Waiver Status

Using individual-level longitudinal state administrative data, this analysis examines whether English language learner (ELL) status increases the likelihood of being designated as needing college remediation. We track a cohort of ELL and non-ELL students from first grade to college entry and investigate whether there are differences in students’ remediation designation related to time spent in an ELL program, race/ethnicity, and ELL waiver status. Results suggest distinct differences across racial and ethnic groups within the ELL category. Consistent among all student groups is the negative impact of a concentration of underrepresented students in a high school on remediation designation.