Florida: English Language Learner (ELL) Resources
Florida schools were home to more than 277,000 English Language Learners (ELLs), as of the 2012-2013 school year. That indicates a 36% increase from the 2002-2003 school year, as per the Migration Policy Institute in 2015. Currently, there are five most common spoken languages by ELLs in Florida – Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
State of Florida ELL Resources
State Agency: Florida Department of Education
ELL Website: Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition
ELP Standards & Assessment
ELP Standards: WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards
ELP Assessment: WIDA-ACCESS for ELLs
Statewide Standards-Based Assessment
Assessment: Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)
Additional Information
WIDA Title III Information: Title III Information
National Clearing House for English Language Acquisition (NCELA): Title III Information
Statewide Resources
Lectura Books
Lectura Books is the go-to source for bilingual books and culturally relevant family reading programs.
The Latino Literacy Project
The Latino Family Literacy Project is known for its award-winning parent involvement programs for Spanish speaking parents.
Florida: Seal of Biliteracy
In 2016, Florida adopted the Seal of Biliteracy to promote bilingual pride. The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to be biliterate and aid schools in promoting bilingualism by granting seals and medals. The organization has an award, which recognizes students who have studied and reached proficiency in two or more languages by the time they graduate high school.
Central Florida TESOL
Central Florida TESOL is the organization that represents teachers of ELLs in Central Florida. This organization promotes excellence in education for ELLs and a professional environment for TESOL teachers.
Florida Center for Reading Research
The Florida Center for Reading Research is an organization that conducts basic research on reading, reading assessment, reading instruction, and reading growth. Additionally, it disseminates information about research-based practices related to literacy instruction and assessment of ELLs from preschool through 12th grade.
Florida Education Association
Florida Education Association is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers. The association educates the public and supporters of public education on how they can build a consensus for standards of excellence in our nation’s educational system.
Florida State Parent Information Resource Centers
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc. provides resources for people who may have disabilities, have special needs, or be at-risk, as well as for concerned citizens and families.
Note: Regulations change from time to time. These resources and guidelines were complied in July 2018. If you see that something needs to be updated, please send an email to _____. For more detailed information regarding ELL guidelines and policies at the state and federal levels, please refer to the following:
Federal Regulations Regarding English Language Learners (ELLs)
Migration Policy Institute: ELL Information Center