Multilingual Learner (ML)

 

The Eatonville School District Multilingual Learner Program

The Eatonville School District values multilingualism and views the cultural and linguistic diversity of our students as an asset that makes each classroom, school, and the whole district stronger, more innovative and better prepared for a global society. Our staff is committed to providing high quality education programs designed to ensure students from all backgrounds are served in an equitable and inclusive environment. Classroom teachers provide students with meaningful access to grade level curricula throughout the school day as students acquire the English language skills needed to achieve their full academic potential. Multilingual Learner (ML) program staff serve each eligible student by providing individualized language support designed to ensure ML students acquire full English proficiency as quickly and effectively as possible. 

How does a student qualify for the District's ML program?

In Washington state, the qualification process for the ML program begins when a parent or guardian enrolls their child and completes a Home Language Survey. If the returned survey indicates that a language other than English was the first language learned or is currently used by the student, then his/her English language proficiency must be assessed. The WIDA (World Class Instructional Design and Assessment) is the language proficiency test used in Washington schools. This assessment measures a student’s English language knowledge and skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The WIDA language screener is used to determine initial eligibility for the ML program. Continued eligibility is based on the annual WIDA ACCESS summative assessment. For additional information regarding the WIDA ACCESS please visit the website at https://wida.wisc.edu/

 

Family Guide to the WIDA ACCESS: 

What is the WIDA ACCESS?

  • The WIDA ACCESS assessment system measures a student’s proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening to, and understanding English.  

  • At the end of each school year, all designated MLs are required to take the WIDA ACCESS summative assessment. Results  from that assessment are used to determine whether a student still qualifies as a Multilingual learner or  whether a student has achieved a sufficient level of proficiency in English so that he or she no longer needs support  and can exit the school’s ML program.

  • Students that are virtual learning this year are required to take the WIDA ACCESS summative assessment.

  • The assessment will be administered in January of each school year.

  • Assessment results and continuing eligibility notifications will be released late Spring 2024.

Additional Information and Resources

 Parent Involvement

 Parents can support their child’s education in a number of ways:

  • Help your child maintain their native language by continuing to speak and read stories with your children in your language. Knowing more than one language is a skill to be valued and encouraged.

  • Encourage your child to pursue biliteracy by learning to read and write proficiently in your language.

  • Studies have shown that when children continue to learn their native language, it makes the process of learning English easier.

Interpretation/Translation Services

Under state and federal law, all parents have the right to information about their child’s education in a language they can understand.
Title IV Regulations | Chapter 28A.642 RCW | Chapter 392-190 WAC

For requests to speak with a school staff member, please contact Sarah Reiter at s.reiter@eatonville.wednet.edu.

Multilingual Program Staff

Dracy McCoy, Executive Director of Student Services

d.mccoy@eatonville.wednet.edu 

Sarah Reiter, Program Coordinator

s.reiter@eatonville.wednet.edu 

Tonya Roebuck, Student Services Executive Assistant

t.roebuck@eatonville.wednet.edu 

Student Services:  (360)641-1809