What term is used to describe students whose primary language is not English?

The term that best describes students whose primary language is not English is "English Language Learners." This designation emphasizes their active participation in learning English while they may be proficient in other languages, which can impact their educational experiences. It acknowledges the process they are undergoing as they develop their English language skills in academic and social settings.

Understanding the diverse backgrounds of these learners is essential for effective instruction. It often involves recognizing their cultural experiences and the linguistic knowledge they bring to the classroom, which can be advantageous in their learning journey. This approach helps educators tailor their teaching methods to support these students effectively in acquiring the language and succeeding in their educational pursuits.

The other terms have specific connotations that do not accurately define the group in question. "Native speakers" refers to individuals who speak a language as their first language, making it distinct from English Language Learners. "Bilingual students" describes those who are proficient in two languages, which may or may not include English. "Multilingual learners" refers to students who can communicate in multiple languages, but the term does not specifically target the language acquisition context of English. Thus, "English Language Learners" is the most precise term for the students indicated in the question.