Brief

Title III Evidence Review: The Impact of Federal Support for English Learners

Alyn Turner, Cara Jackson, and Laura Blythe Martens
January 2026 | Education Law Center

This research brief from the Education Law Center shares findings from a review of education research in the past decade that explored the impact of Title III in meeting the learning needs of English learners (ELs). Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) focuses on English language acquisition for ELs, providing funds for language education programs, teacher professional development, and family engagement. The brief discusses evidence-based programs and practices that improve EL learning, usage of Title III funds on evidence-based programs and practices, and adequacy of funding levels to achieve Title III goals. Findings show the effectiveness of bilingual language education models on EL achievement, the need for improved EL teacher preparation, and the challenges of inadequate Title III funding to achieve the program’s goals. State and local education agencies, as well as school and district administrators, may find this brief useful in restructuring EL programs and educator professional development.

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