As part of my Extension program Kentucky: By The Numbers, I conduct custom data analyses by request for audiences across the state.  In 2017, I conducted an analysis of limited English proficiency in Kentucky for Nancy Calix at Kentucky State University.  The data analysis was part of Kentucky State University’s civil rights compliance guidelines and the results were used in a series of trainings on reaching limited English proficient clients.  

Estimates from the American Community Survey were used to conduct 5 analyses.  In addition to a statewide county level analysis of the extent and characteristics of limited English proficiency individuals and households, similar analyses were conducted at the tract-level for Jefferson, Franklin, and Christian counties.  Each of the analyses examined the extent, geographic distribution, and characteristics of individuals 5 years and older who spoke a language other than English at home and reported speaking English less than “very well” with a similar analysis of limited English speaking households.  After conducting the analyses, data visualization techniques and maps were used to translate the results into a 5 different PowerPoint presentations to be used for the trainings.  Each one contained detailed explanations of the results as well as the limitations of the estimates from the American Community Survey.

Results of the analysis provided data-based picture of limited English proficiency across the state and in detail for Jefferson, Franklin, and Christian counties.  The data, visualizations, and maps were used in the trainings conducted by Nancy Calix.  The results were also useful in identifying counties with the greatest need of resources for reaching limited English proficiency individuals and households.