Multilingual Learner (ML) Program
Our Multilingual Learner (ML) Program is dedicated to supporting students who are learning English while succeeding in their content classes. We value the rich linguistic and cultural backgrounds our ML students bring to our schools.
Our certified teachers use research-based strategies to provide targeted English Language Development instruction. This instruction helps students rapidly develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English. We work collaboratively with classroom teachers to ensure all ML students have the tools and accommodations they need to meet challenging academic standards and thrive both academically and socially.
Contact Us
Jadie Kieft
Executive Director of Special Services
(248) 344-3530
kieftja@northvilleschools.org
Diana Messina
ML Department Head/Teacher
(248) 465-2247
messinadi@northvilleschools.org
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| Multilingual Learners (ML) Program Goals |
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|---|---|
| How are students identified? |
At the time of enrollment into the district, parent(s) or guardian(s) of every student are required to complete a registration packet; an integral part of the registration packet is the Home Language Survey. The Home Language Survey in registration packets is reviewed to identify students who come from a home where a language other than English is spoken. A student who comes from a home where there is a language other than English spoken, is evaluated for his/her level of English language proficiency. The language screener, along with the student’s academic performance is also considered to determine eligibility. |
| How are students assessed for English Language proficiency? | Students are assessed using the WIDA Screener. The WIDA Screener is an English language proficiency "screener" assessment given to incoming students who may be potentially eligible for ML services. The WIDA Screener, measures a students’ English language ability in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing and total composite. The results of the WIDA Screener are used to determine if a student qualifies for EL services. All ML students are assessed annually using the WIDA ACCESS assessment. The results from this assessment guide ML program placement each year or exit a student if they have scored proficient (4.8 or higher). |
| Where are services provided? |
ML services are provided during the school day at each child’s school. |
| How are services provided? | ML services or ML program placement is dependent on the child’s WIDA Screener or WIDA ACCESS scores. Services vary based on English proficiency, but may include ML classes, co-taught classes, push-in support, or consultation. |
| Participation* |
Participation in the ML program services are optional and parents have the right to withdraw their child at any time from the ML services. *All students who qualify for program participation, regardless of services, must continue to be assessed each spring with the WIDA-ACCESS assessment until a student has scored proficient and has met district and state exit requirements. |
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WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment)
An annual assessment given to students who have been identified as Multilingual Learners. The results are used to determine a student's growth and progress, and to inform instruction for the following year.
WIDA Screener is a flexible, on-demand assessment that can be given at any time during the school year to students in grades K–12. It's available in both paper and online formats.
These assessments can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Identification: To determine if a student is an Multilingual Learner (ML) and may need support services
- Placement: To help place students in appropriate classes/ML support
- Progress: To monitor a student's growth and progress in English language proficiency
- Instruction: To inform instruction for the following year