Tennessee: ELL Resources

In 2019, Tennessee’s schools were home to more than 50,000 English language learners. In recent years, the most common five languages spoken by ELLs in Tennessee have been Spanish, Arabic, Somali, Chinese, and Kurdish. (U.S. Dept. of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

Tennessee 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

Tennessee Department of Education

• ELL State Website: English Learner Resources
• Multilingual Certifications: Seal of Biliteracy

Related Resources

• NCELA: Title III Information
• WIDA: Tennessee Contact Information

Statewide Organizations

Tennessee TESOL

TNTESOL's mission is to develop the expertise of its members and others involved in teaching English to speakers of other languages to help them foster effective communication in diverse settings while respecting individuals& language rights.

Tennessee Education Association

Tennessee 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.

Support and Training for Exceptional Parents

STEP empowers parents through information, training and support to become effective partners with professionals in planning appropriate educational programs for their children.