English Language Learner Count

2024 Count Date: Tuesday, October 1

Summary

Each year all public school districts across the state of Colorado participate in the Student October Count data submission to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The purpose of this data collection is to obtain required student-level data as provided for by state statute, including information regarding students’ funding eligibility as outlined in the Public School Finance Act of 1994 (Section 22-54-101, C.R.S.). The Colorado Department of Education collects these data through the Data Pipeline with the Information Management Services (IMS) unit of CDE overseeing the collection.

As provided for under SB21-268 and beginning with fiscal year 2021-2022, there is a new English Language Learner funding factor that is included in the calculated total program funding for each district.  This new funding factor includes additional funding to districts related to the total number of English language learners included in the district’s funded pupil count for the current year. 

Student October Count data is used to determine which students are included in the district’s English language learner count.   Students meeting the following criteria are included in the district’s ELL count:

• Grade level: Kindergarten through 12^th grade
• Public School Finance Funding Status (i.e., funding code): 80, 82, 85, 91, 92, 94, 95
• Language Proficiency:  1 NEP (Non-English Proficient); 2 LEP (Limited-English Proficient)

In addition to the above listed criteria, students must still be within the five-year services window defined in English Language Proficiency Act (ELPA).  Please note that the English Language Learner count/funding factor is separate from the categorical funding districts received under the English Language Proficiency Act (ELPA).  For more information, please visit the ELPA website.

In an effort to ensure accurate reporting of those data fields associated with the determination of each district’s total program funding, the School Auditing Office will conduct periodic compliance audits of each district’s Student October count data, including a review of documentation to support the district’s English Language Learner count, specifically the district’s determination of language proficiency for students reported as Non-English Proficient (NEP) and Limited-English Proficient (LEP).

Some forms recommended by the School Auditing Office may contain personally identifiable information of students and districts should take additional precautions.​ Local education agencies must use secure means when sending Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to CDE.  If transferring PII between districts, schools, or with other parties, CDE strongly recommends that districts use a secure method of transferring PII between districts, schools, or with other parties (for example, a secure file sharing tool like Syncplicity, or including the PII in a password-protected document). For more information, please visit the Data Privacy and Security website or contact CDE’s Data Privacy Office.

Resource Guide

Annual Audit Review Resources

Prior Audit Resource Guides

Prior versions of the Audit Resource Guide can be found by clicking here.

Please contact Rebecca McRee (mcree_r@cde.state.co.us) if an alternate version of any of these documents is needed.