Skip To Main Content

Multilingual Learners

Students who have a home language other than English (or in addition to English) and test limited English proficient in any language domain, speaking, listening comprehension, reading, or writing may be eligible for Multilingual Learner (MLL) services. The goal of the program is to teach students social and academic English so that they will be able to fully participate in all classes and subjects taught in school.

Identification

When a parent/guardian indicates a language other than English on any question on the Minnesota Language Survey, an MLL instructor will assess the student for eligibility for MLL services when they first enroll in the district. Students are eligible for MLL services based on criteria for English learners identified by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

Students who have qualified for MLL services continue to be eligible until they reach a level of English proficiency that allows them to independently access and succeed in the curriculum, as demonstrated by meeting exit criteria outlined by MDE.

Parent Notification

Parents will be notified within ten (10) days of a student beginning MLL services each school year. The notification will include the criteria used to determine eligibility for MLL services, the child’s level of English proficiency and general information about MLL services. Parents of multilingual learners will be invited to meet with their child’s MLL instructor during fall Parent-Teacher Conferences to learn more about MLL services and how they can work cooperatively with the school to advance their child’s English language skills.

MLL Service Delivery

ISD 199 offers language programs that are designed to meet the varying student needs across English proficiency levels. Our programs provide students at the beginning levels of English proficiency with more intensive services than students at the transitional levels. Instruction is based on Minnesota's English Language Development (ELD) standards. In addition, challenging state academic content standards, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies, and ELD standards are aligned to provide rigorous coursework for all students. Decisions about service delivery are also made while considering special needs of multilingual learners, which could include students with disabilities (e.g. 504 plan or IEPs), students with specific health challenges, students who are new to the country, education history, specific talents, or other individual factors.

  • EL Service Guidelines for Elementary Programs
  • EL Service Guidelines for IGH Middle School Programs
  • EL Service Guidelines for Simley High School Programs

Refusal of MLL Services

Parents/guardians who do not wish their child to receive MLL services may refuse services by contacting your child's school principal. The request must be completed each year the parents wish to refuse MLL services.

SLIFE Identification

Multilingual learners with limited or interrupted formal education will be identified based on the following criteria:

  • Come from a home where the language usually spoken is other than English, or usually speaks a language other than English;
  • Enter school in the United States after grade 6;
  • Have at least two years less schooling than their peers;
  • Function at least two years below expected grade level in reading and mathematics; and
  • May be preliterate in their native language

Exit Criteria

Multilingual learners who reach a level of English proficiency that allows them to independently access and succeed in the curriculum will be exited from MLL services. Students exit MLL services and are reclassified non-MLL based on the MDE exit criteria.