South Carolina: ELL Resources

Map of South Carolina

As of the 2016-2017 school year, South Carolina’s schools were home to more than 44,000 English language learners. As of the 2014-2015 school year, the most common five languages spoken by ELLs in South Carolina were Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic. (U.S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

State ELL Resources

State Agency: South Carolina Department of Education

ELL Website: ESEA Title III

Statewide Standards-Based Assessment

Assessment: Statewide Assessment Information

Additional Information

NCELA: Title III Information

WIDA Contact Information: South Carolina

Common Core State Standards: Yes

ESSA: South Carolina ESSA State Plan

Statewide Organizations

Carolina TESOL

Carolina TESOL is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the quality of education for English language learners in North and South Carolina and to promote effective intercultural communication and understanding.

South Carolina Education Association

South Carolina 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.

Family Connection South Carolina

Family Connection assists parents and families in navigating systems that provide healthcare, early intervention, special education, general education, and postsecondary options for their children.

Seal of Biliteracy Guidelines: South Carolina

South Carolina recognizes the Seal of Biliteracy, 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.