How Does Arizona Define English Learners?

 With each state having individual control of its own education system, it is common to have slight differences in standards, definitions, and programs. It is also important to note that every state's demographics vary significantly, a key component of these differences. Arizona specifically borders Mexico and has a high population of Native American reservations, making a large portion of the student population English Language Learners (ELL). 

With that being said, who are English Language Learners? According to a report by the State of Arizona Office of the Auditor General (Arizona English Language Learner Program, 2011), Arizona defines English Language Learners as those who do not speak English as their first language or have difficulty comprehending, speaking, reading, or writing in English. Most importantly, this difficulty limits the student's ability to be successful in the classroom.