Federal Funding for ELL Education:

Federal funding for English language learner (ELL) education continues to evolve—and so do the challenges facing school leaders. Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) remains the central funding mechanism supporting English language acquisition and academic achievement. However, recent developments have introduced volatility into this critical area.

Funding Freeze and Release in July 2025

In a sweeping move in July 2025, the Trump administration temporarily froze nearly $7 billion in K–12 funding, including Title III grants. This funding pause, attributed to a federal review, caused significant disruption—prompting lawsuits from states and districts. Fortunately, the withheld funds were released in late July 2025. These funds support not only ELs, but also migrant education, after-school programs, academic enrichment, and professional learning—programs that are particularly vital in high-need and rural communities.

Proposed Policy Changes Raise Alarms

Beyond the temporary freeze, proposed administrative actions signal potential long-term impacts. The administration has introduced plans to eliminate Title III entirely—cutting nearly $890 million in resources dedicated to EL education. It has also moved to dismantle the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), which provides oversight and guidance for Title III implementation. If these changes go through, oversight would shift to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, raising concerns about the long-term visibility and prioritization of the needs of English learners.

Key Federal Programs That Serve ELs

  • Title III, Part A provides supplemental services to help ELs achieve proficiency and meet state academic standards. This includes curriculum materials, professional development, after-school programs, and language access for families.
  • National Professional Development (NPD) Program helps train and support educators working with ELs, improving instructional quality across diverse school communities.
  • Title I-C (Migrant Education) supports children in farmworker families—many of whom are ELs—through academic support, healthcare access, and mobility-responsive programming.
  • Title II funds professional development, often targeting EL-specific instructional needs.
  • Title IV-A/B supports academic enrichment, before- and after-school programs, and wraparound services that benefit ELs.
  • Adult Education and Literacy programs help ESL adults and parents strengthen their language skills, supporting intergenerational learning and family engagement.

August 2025: Additional Policy Developments

In August, the U.S. Department of Education rescinded the 2015 Dear Colleague Letter that reminded schools of their legal obligations to English learners. While ESSA, and other foundational protections remain in place, this move removes federal guidance that has long shaped how schools ensure equal access for ELs.

What School Leaders Can Do

With funding volatility and shifting federal oversight, education leaders need to remain informed, advocate for English language programs, and prepare for potential budget fluctuations. EL students—many of whom are U.S.-born—need consistent support that enables them to thrive in school and beyond.

Stay tuned for further updates as policy discussions continue in Washington.