Nebraska: ELL Resources

As of the 2016-2017 school year, Nebraska’s schools were home to over 22,500 English language learners. As of the 2014-2015 school year, the most common five languages spoken by ELLs in Nebraska were Spanish, Karen languages, Arabic, Somali, and Vietnamese. (U.S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
For more on ELLs in Nebraska, see the following:
- New Immigrant Communities in the Heartland: An Interview with Dr. Ted Hamann
- When We Stop Counting: An Interview with Supt. Kyle McGowan
- Documentary: When We Stop Counting
State ELL Resources
State Agency: Nebraska Department of Education
ELL Website: Title III/LEP Information
ELL Resources: Nebraska ELL Resource Page
ELP Standards
ELP Standards: ELPA21
Statewide Assessments
Assessment Information: State Assessment Information
Additional Information
NCELA: Title III Information
Common Core State Standards: Yes
ESSA: Nebraska ESSA State Plan
Statewide Organizations
MIDTESOL serves mid-America teachers of English from Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri to speakers of other languages.
Nebraska International Languages Association
The Nebraska International Languages Association (NILA) is a professional organization dedicated to the support and promotion of the teaching of languages in the state of Nebraska.
Nebraska State Education Association
Nebraska State Education Association is a National Education Association State Affiliate that regularly lobbies legislators for the resources schools need, campaigns for higher professional standards for the teaching profession, and files legal actions to protect academic freedom and the rights of school employees.
PTI Nebraska (Parent Training and Information) is a statewide resource for families of children with disabilities and special health care needs.
Nebraska is in the early stages of the Seal of Biliteracy. 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.
Note: Regulations change with time. These guidelines were compiled in January of 2012 and updated in January 2020. 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:
References
National Center for Education Statistics. (2018.) English language learner (ELL) students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools, by state: Selected years, fall 2000 through fall 2016.
U.S. Department of Education. Our Nation’s English Learners. Most Common Non-English Languages Spoken by English Learners.