The percentage of English-language learners at Los Angeles Unified who can read, write and speak English fluently decreased slightly in 2009, according to state test results released today.
This year, 37 percent of all English language-learners reached proficiency at LAUSD, according to the 2009 California English Language Development Test data.
That is virtually flat from last year's rate of 38 percent but the dip drew concern from LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines.
"I am disappointed," Cortines said in a letter to district officials and boardmembers.
"I have sent e-mails and letters to principals and local district administrators on the importance of providing English language development and access to grade level standards."
With 220,000 students, LAUSD has the largest population of English-language learners of any district in the country.
Currently they represent nearly a third of the district's entire student body.
Over the years low test scores and graduation rates have plagued the district's population of English-language learners.
Most recently dismal student achievement drew the attention of the civil right's arm of the U.S. Department of Education, which launched an investigation in March to look into whether the district has denied English-language learners educational