The term SLIFE is the current term adopted by states and districts for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education. While we prefer a term with an asset based approach, for now we will be using this term to describe these students:

An umbrella term for a diverse subgroup of students traditionally known as English Language Learners, Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) are multilingual immigrant students who have had limited access to formal education in their home countries. This interruption can occur for any number of reasons, and as a result, these students are often several years below grade level in most academic skills in their home language(s). Aside from academics, SLIFE are often unfamiliar with the culture of U.S. schooling. From a socioemotional standpoint, SLIFE have often experienced traumatic events, many times related to their reasons for migration or their migration journey itself. SLIFE and their families often face hurdles when trying to learn how to use educational, legal, and medical services.