Massachusetts: ELL Resources

As of 2019, schools in Massachusetts were home to more than 98,000 English language learners. In recent years, the most common five languages spoken by ELLs in Massachusetts have been Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Haitian and Haitian-Creole, and Portuguese-based creoles and pidgins. (U.S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

Massachusetts is a member of WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment). 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.

Note: For additional state-by-state data and information, see New America's English Learner Accountability Hub.

State ELL Resources

Massachusetts Department of Education

State ELL Website: English Language Learners
Multilingual Certifications: Seal of Biliteracy

Related resources

NCELA: Title III Information
WIDA: Massachusetts Contact Information

Statewide Organizations

Schools Featured on Colorín Colorado

Partnering with Multilingual Families in Brockton, MA

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Note: Regulations change with time. These guidelines were compiled in January of 2012 and updated in May 2022. If you see something that needs updating, please send an e-mail to Colorín Colorado. For more detailed information regarding ELL guidelines and policies at the state and federal levels, please see the following: