Tennessee: ELL Resources

As of the 2016-2017 school year, Tennessee’s schools were home to more than 43,000 English language learners. As of the 2014-2015 school year, the most common five languages spoken by ELLs in Tennessee were 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.

State ELL Resources

State Agency: Tennessee Department of Education

ELL Websites:

ELP Standards & Assessment

ELP Standards: WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards

ELP Assessment: WIDA-ACCESS for ELLs

Statewide Standards-Based Assessment

Assessment: Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)

Additional Information

NCELA: Title III Information

WIDA: Tennessee Contact Information

Common Core State Standards: Yes

ESSA: Tennesse ESSA State Plan

Statewide Organizations

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.

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: Seal of Biliteracy

Tennessee has adopted the Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studi

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: