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Winchester Public Schools

Inclusion - Service - Innovation

ML Program Information

ML Program Information

As a school district and community, Winchester strives to recognize, embrace and welcome multilingual and non-native English speakers from all cultures. WPS educators continue to enhance the academic and social experiences of incoming students in the district and seek to enrich the relationships with their multilingual (ML) families.

 

ML Program Overview 

The Multilingual Learner (ML) Department provides programming for students who are learning English as a new language. Our programs are designed to help students develop English proficiency and meet grade-level expectations in all subject areas. The ML Department oversees initial English proficiency testing and the placement of MLs, English language development and content support, the annual assessment of English language proficiency (ACCESS), and the process of program exit and the post-exit student monitoring. In addition to supporting a professional learning community of ML teachers, the ML department facilitates professional learning available to all WPS educators. 

 

Program Model 

Winchester Public Schools offers a Sheltered English Immersion Program (SEI) program to English learners in grades PreK-12. The SEI program model consists of sheltered content instruction as well as English language instruction. These two components of the SEI program model provide a comprehensive educational experience for ML students. 

 

School Vocabulary 

Word/Term 

What it means 

ACCESS 

A yearly state assessment that tests English Learners’ language proficiency in the four areas: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing.  

English Learner (EL) 

Student who is developing their English proficiency 

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Instruction to promote English language development in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

English Proficiency Level 

A scale to measure English proficiency for English Learners based on the ACCESS test. Scores range from 1-6.

Former English Learner (FEL) 

English Learner who has met reclassification criteria on ACCESS and no longer receives ESL instruction.

MCAS

Yearly tests given to all children in public schools, grades 3-12.  Test subjects include Language Arts, Math, Science, and History/Social Science

Multilingual Learner (ML)

Any student who has consistent exposure to multiple languages at home, in school, or in other areas of life. 

Opt Out 

Students who have been identified as English Learners but whose parents/guardians opt them out of English as a Second Language instruction each year. This means that they do not receive direct English instruction.

Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) 

Educational setting where students learn academic content in English. English Learners also receive English as a Second Language instruction.