What does FLEP stand for in English Lessons?

FLEP in English Language Learners classes or English as a Second Language classes stands for Former Limited English Proficient.

Former

Limited

English

Proficient

FLEP students are kids who used to receive English Language Development as an LEP student.

a brunette woman with long hair sitting in front of a brick wall at a desk and talking to someone on a laptop while wearing headphones

LEP stands for a “Limited English Proficient” student.

It is a term defined in federal and state policy. Here are some Guidance for Limited English Proficient (LEP)
Student Identification, Assessment, and Data Reporting
can help you understand LEP students’ needs.

Limited

English

Proficient

Students who once received English language development as an LEP student, have exited the LEP program, and are no longer in monitoring status.

Federal law defines a “limited English proficient” student as a student:

  • 3 to 21 years old
  • enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school;
  • not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English; who is a Native American or Alaska Native, or a native resident of the outlying areas; or who comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual’s level of English language proficiency; or who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; and
  • whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual —
    • the ability to meet the State’s proficient level of achievement on State assessments;
    • the ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction is English; or
    • the opportunity to participate fully in society.
a man holds up two cards showing the letters B and A to a young girl who smiles and grabs one card

ELP to FELP resources

How do schools help ELP students (English learners)?

When your child enrolls, you should receive a home language survey or similar form to fill out that helps the school identify potential English learners who are eligible for language assistance services.

If your child is identified as an English learner, the school must notify you in writing within 30 days of the school year, starting with information about your child’s English language proficiency level, programs, and services available to meet your child’s educational needs, and your right to opt your child out of a program or particular services for English learners.

For more information about the rights of English learners, visit https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/ellresources.html.

ESL Acronyms

Here are some more ESL-related acronyms that can help you while working in the ELL or ESL field and while studying for ELL Educational Licensure Exams.

ESOLEnglish to Speakers of Other Languages
ESPEnglish for Special Purposes
FEPFluent English Proficient
FLEPFormer Limited English Proficient
FLPFamily Language Plan

Learn more in these related posts.

Learn More

Ingrid Maria Pimsner, MA, BA, TEFL
Ingrid Maria Pimsner, MA, BA, TEFL

Ingrid Maria Pimsner has been teaching for over a decade in various universities, nonprofits, and private academies. She has taught English as a Second Language for Lutheran Children & Family Service, Nationalities Service Center, Lernstudio Barbarossa Berlin-Tegel, and more. In addition to her Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification, she holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a MA from Maryland Institute College of Art.