California has the largest share of the English Language Learner (ELL) student population in the U.S., and it continues to grow. English Language Learners are the fastest growing group in the public school population and they are underachieving. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal changes in the performance of English learners from 2003 to 2013 in grades two to eight in the ABC Unified School District (ABCUSD) and the Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD). This study examined (a) the extent, to which ELL performance improved in both urban districts in "California Standards Test" (CST) English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics; (b) the level of achievement compared to Whites; (c) the rates of reclassification; and (d) the progress, or lack of, compared to the top ten ELL serving districts in California. The findings of this study demonstrated a positive longitudinal change in student achievement for ABCUSD than for BUSD in the years 2003-2013. Both districts improved outcomes in English language arts and in mathematics. This is also true state wide as the pool of ELLs has grown smaller over the years. Therefore, progress has been made at the local and state level. Reclassification rates remain a challenge since only one district showed improvement in reclassification rates. Lastly, ABC and Bellflower Unified outperformed most or all of the top ten ELL serving districts in California. The state has acknowledged the significance of educating ELLs; therefore, examining progress made will afford all stakeholders important information. Documenting the longitudinal changes in ELL performance data in these two districts will help determine if the districts are experiencing success in educating this growing group of students. It will provide important information for researchers, surrounding districts and the districts themselves by helping to inform and set the direction of their future efforts. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]