Minnesota: ELL Resources

As of the 2016-2017 school year, Minnesota’s schools were home to more than 72,000 English language learners. As of the 2014-2015 school year, the most common five languages spoken by ELLs in Minnesota were Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen languages, and Vietnamese. (U.S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

Minnesota is a member of WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment), joining in 2010. WIDA is a consortium of states dedicated to the design and implementation of high standards and equitable educational opportunities for English language learners which offers states programming for identifying and annually assessing the English language development of its English learners.

State ELL Resources

State Agency: Minnesota Department of Education

ELL Website: Minnesota English Learners

ELP Standards & Assessment

ELP Standards: WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards

ELP Assessment: WIDA-ACCESS for ELLs

Statewide Standards-Based Assessment

Assessment: Statewide Testing Information

Additional Information

NCELA: Title III Information

WIDA: Minnesota Contact Information

Common Core State Standards: Adopted the CCSS English Language Arts Standards but not the Math Standards (see more information on the K-12 Academic Standards Page)

ESSA: Minnesota ESSA State Plan

Statewide Organizations

Education Minnesota

Education Minnesota is the largest advocate for public education in the state and an affiliate of the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and AFL-CIO.

Minnesota Humanities Center

The Minnesota Humanities Center conducts professional development opportunities; creates and disseminates educational resources; partners with other organizations to offer humanities programs statewide; and operates a full-service meeting and event center.

PACER Center

PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.

Minnesota TESOL

MinneTESOL is a professional association of teachers of English as a Second Language in Minnesota and neighboring states dedicated to the education and support of students acquiring English at all levels of public and private education.

Minnesota: Seal of Biliteracy

Minnesota adopted the Seal of Biliteracy in 2014. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.

Do Good Roseville

Do Good Roseville is a community organization that makes connections – to share ideas and information – in order to do things that have a positive impact in the community of Roseville, Minnesota.