South Dakota: ELL Resources

As of the 2016-2017 school year, South Dakota’s schools were home to a little over 4,500 English language learners. As of the 2014-2015 school year, the most common five languages spoken by ELLs in South Dakota were Spanish, German, Karen languages, Nepali, and Siouan languages. (U.S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

South Dakota is a member of WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment), joining in 2008. 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: South Dakota Department of Education

ELL Website: Title III - English Language Acquisition

ELP Standards & Assessment

ELP Standards: WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards

ELP Assessment: WIDA-ACCESS for ELLs

Statewide Standards-Based Assessment

Assessment: Office of Assessment

Additional Information

NCELA: Title III Information

WIDA: South Dakota Contact Information

Common Core State Standards: Yes

ESSA: South Dakota ESSA State Plan

Statewide Organizations

Dakota TESOL

Dakota TESOL provides support, advocacy, and professional development opportunities for those in the Dakotas and surrounding states who work with English as a second language students or English language learners.

South Dakota Education Association

South Dakota 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.

South Dakota Parent Connection

South Dakota Parent Connection connects families caring for children/youth (ages birth to 26) with the full range of disabilities or special health care needs to information, training and resources in an environment of support, hope and respect

Seal of Biliteracy Update: South Dakota

South Dakota does not yet have a 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. If you are aware of schools or districts that have adopted the Seal of Biliteracy in the state, send an update to the official Seal of Biliteracy site!