Tennessee: English Language Learner (ELL) Resources
Tennessee schools were home to more than 32,000 English Language Learners (ELLs), as of the 2012-2013 school year. That indicates a 20% increase from the 2002-2003 school year, as per the Migration Policy Institute in 2015. Currently, there are five most common spoken languages by ELLs in Tennessee– Spanish, Kurdish, Somali, Arabic, and Vietnamese.
Ohio State ELL Resources
State Agency: Tennessee Department of Education
ELL Website: English Learner Resources
ELP Standards & Assessment
ELP Standards: WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards
ELP Assessment: WIDA-ACCESS for ELLs
Statewide Standards-Based Assessment
Assessment: Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)
Additional Information
National Clearing House for English Language Acquisition (NCELA): Title III Information
Statewide Resources
Lectura Books
Lectura Books is the go-to source for bilingual books and culturally relevant family reading programs.
The Latino Literacy Project
The Latino Family Literacy Project is known for its award-winning parent involvement programs for Spanish speaking parents.
Tennessee TESOL
Tennessee TESOL is the organization that represents teachers of ELLs in Tennessee. This organization promotes excellence in education for ELLs and a professional environment for TESOL teachers.
Tennessee State Education Association
The Tennessee State Education Association is part of the National Education Association state affiliate program. This national program lobbies legislators for resources needed in schools. Additionally, they campaign for higher professional teacher standards and file legal actions to protect academic freedom and school employee rights.
Tennessee Family Resource Center on Disabilities
The Tennessee Family Resource Center on Disabilities (PIRC) offers parents of children with disabilities a variety of programs, resources, and information to increase parent involvement and improve the student success rate.
Note: Regulations change from time to time. These resources and guidelines were complied in July 2018. If you see that something needs to be updated, please send an email to _____. For more detailed information regarding ELL guidelines and policies at the state and federal levels, please refer to the following:
Federal Regulations Regarding English Language Learners (ELLs)
Migration Policy Institute: ELL Information Center