In 5 Michigan schools and districts, English is second language for more than 50% of students

Michigan K-12 schools are serving more students learning English as a second language than at any point in the last two decades, but recent data tracking their progress showed those educating the highest numbers are in just a few areas of the state.

And in five cases, English learners make up the majority of schools student population.

The Michigan Department of Education released the data tracking English-language learners’ improvement as of the 2024-25 school year earlier this month.

According to the numbers, more than 76,800 ELL students showed an average growth percentile of around 50% in an annual test measuring proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing — a rate that remained consistent over the previous five years.

Five years ago, roughly 25,000 fewer ELL students