School characteristics contribute to poor ELL achievement ELLs who went to schools where they made up a majority or a substantial minority of students were less likely to reach proficiency levels in math than ELLs in schools with more white students. ELLs take 5-6 years to reach level playing field It takes five to six years for English Language Learners (ELLs) to become proficient enough at a language that they test equitably with native speakers.