The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) provides statewide leadership in promoting high quality education for English language learners (ELLs).  Often referred to as limited English proficient (LEP) students, the MDE prefers the term English language learners (ELLs). 

It is the MDE's goal to ensure that ELL students, including immigrant children and youth, develop English proficiency and meet the same academic content and achievement standards required of all children.   The MDE wishes to identify major issues affecting the education of English language learners, and to assist and support local school districts' efforts to emphasize high academic standards, school accountability, professional development and parent involvement.
The MDE is responsible for:

• administering grant programs that help children develop proficiency in English and achieve high content standards;
  
• recommending policies and promoting best practices for meeting the needs of English language learners;
  
• strengthening collaboration and coordination among state and local programs serving English language learners; and
  
• monitoring programs and providing technical assistance that focus on outcomes and accountability.