Multilingual Learners

Genevieve Acrin

gacrin@ftschool.org 

908-735-7929 X7711

Students who are identified as multilingual learners (MLs) through a home language survey, records review, and English language proficiency assessment are eligible to receive English as a Second Language (ESL) services from a certified ESL teacher.  During ESL instruction, students will participate in speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities in order to develop all 4 domains of the English language.  Activities are scaffolded using various language learning strategies and differentiated to meet each student at his or her English Language Proficiency Level.  The instruction is designed using the WIDA English Language Development Standards, which use a functional approach to language learning.  This means that content and academic vocabulary from science, social studies, English language arts, and math are used as a means for instruction, with opportunities for direct instruction of additional language forms (i.e. components of grammar and phonics) interwoven into the instruction.  This supports each student’s ability to learn language and content simultaneously and gives students the academic language they need to be successful in school. As well as using the functional approach of the WIDA Standards, instruction is employed using culturally and linguistically responsive strategies that value the assets multilingual learners bring to our school community.  

In addition to being assessed by the student’s teachers throughout the year, Multilingual Learners take the state mandated annual ACCESS for ELLs test to measure his or her language proficiency development.  This test provides valuable information on each student’s language development across the 4 language domains, and helps school staff identify the best strategies and ways to support each student.  Just as there are multiple criteria used to identify a multilingual learner, there are also multiple criteria used to indicate when a student is no longer eligible for ESL services.  These program exit criteria include a state-set cut score on the ACCESS for ELLs test, school performance, and teacher recommendations.  Students then continue to be monitored to ensure they remain successful in school.