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Multilingual Learner Program

Multilingual Learner Program

A light-up sign on a desk reads 'HOLA AMIGOS' in black letters.

 

Welcome to our Multilingual Learner (ML) Program! In our schools, we celebrate the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of our students. Our ML program is dedicated to supporting learners who are acquiring English as an additional language, empowering them to thrive academically and socially.

Who Are Multilingual Learners?

Multilingual Learners are individuals who come from various linguistic backgrounds and are in the process of developing their English language skills. These students bring unique perspectives and experiences to our school community, enhancing the richness of our learning environment. Our program is designed to meet their specific needs, ensuring they have equitable access to the curriculum and opportunities for success.

Our Schools

At Joel, we warmly welcome our young students into our vibrant school community. We celebrate their diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and foster strong partnerships with families to ensure lasting success. Our approach to supporting English language development includes thoughtful collaboration with classroom teachers, in-class assistance, and small group instruction tailored to each student's unique strengths and needs. Additionally, we provide a multilingual lending library to inspire a love of reading among our students.

At the middle school, the ML specialist offers English Language Development classes at the newcomer through advanced proficiency levels, ensuring that all multilingual learners receive the instruction in academic language and literacy skills that they deserve in order to be successful as middle school students. The backbone of our ML program at the Eliot school is collaboration among the ML specialist and content-area teachers through instructional coaching, collaborative planning and evaluation of student learning, as well as direct co-teaching. Our faculty embrace the principles of sheltered instruction and celebrate bilingualism as an asset to our classrooms, our school, and the Clinton community.

At the high school, the ML Specialist offers English classes that allow students to earn credits towards their high school diploma while developing their English language skills. The ML Specialist also coaches mainstream content teachers on strategies that help not only language learners, but all students. The ML paraprofessional plays a vital role by supporting ML students in their mainstream classes, ensuring they have the guidance needed to succeed in a diverse learning environment. Additionally, our Reading Literacy Consultant collaborates with the ML teacher to assist mainstream teachers in implementing effective scaffolding, modifications, and tailored supports for our students.Together, our team is committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering educational experience for all students.

We also work closely with Shoreline Adult Education, the education program for adult English Learners, which holds evening classes at The Morgan School and Saturday morning Family Literacy classes at Joel School to ensure a partnership with our English Learner families.  For more information please visit their website at Shorline Adulted or call 203-488-5693.