Multilingual Learners/English Learners

The SVSU’s Multilingual Learners programs (formerly known as English Language Learners) support our Multilingual Learners (ML) students’ in gaining the linguistic, academic and social skills they need to be productive members of our community.  In order to best support our students’ needs, our program also strives to build strong relationships between our ML/English Learners (EL) families and school staff to improve the development of every learner.  

 

Federal education law requires state and local education agencies to identify all English learners. Vermont Local Educational Agencies must administer the State’s Home Language Survey to all kindergarten students and to all students in other grades entering Vermont K-12 schools (public or public/private academies) for the first time in order to identify those who may be entitled to language and academic support services. Depending on responses to survey questions, schools may then ask parent/guardian(s) about their child’s language use and/or conduct screening to assess level of English language proficiency for academic purposes. The K-12 Home Language Survey has been updated and is included in ALL enrollment packets. 

The Registrar shares any completed Home Language Surveys with the lead ML/EL teacher. The ML/EL team then screens the learner with the assessment, called the WIDA.  If the learner qualifies, a letter is sent home to the family and ML/EL services are provided by the ML/EL teaching team.