That’s especially true for students who carry the English-learner label for more than five years—students also known as long-term English learners, said Shirley Xu, a postdoctoral researcher at Vanderbilt University. In analyzing data of English learners across the state from school years 2012-13 to 2016-17, the researchers found varied results. Students who exited English-learner status right before entering high school were more likely to have access to advanced courses than peers who entered high school still as English learners. And those who exited English-learner status in 8th grade were also less likely to graduate on time than peers who remained English learners. Changes to reclassification criteria matterReclassification criteria in the Golden State consist of language-proficiency scores, teacher evaluations, parent consultations, and meeting basic academic skills.