Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Logo
English Learner Education

English Proficiency Benchmarks Resources

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has developed benchmarks for attaining English language proficiency for English Learners (ELs). DESE will define and disseminate to districts each fall the English language proficiency benchmarks, or individual targets, for each student’s annual progress toward English proficiency. Meeting benchmarks means an EL is on track to attain English proficiency within six years of entering a Massachusetts public school. Some ELs will attain English proficiency before year six, while others may take longer. Students are not required to become proficient within a specific period, but research indicates that ELs typically achieve proficiency in four to seven years.


  • Benchmarks Executive Summary

  • English Learning Success Template

  • Guidelines for the Use of Benchmarks Toward Attaining English Proficiency

Last Updated: June 10, 2024

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

Directions

Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.