Multilingual Learners (ML)

Multilingual Learners Staff

The School District of Milton’s Multilingual Learners (ML) [formerly English Learning] Team meets quarterly to assess and monitor programming for ML students in the district, while exploring additional opportunities to build the program. The ML Team consists of the following staff members:

• Julie Musgrove, Director of Teaching and Learner
• Stephanie Gomez, 4K-3 ML Educator
• Mandy Tukiendorf, 4-6 ML Educator
• Laura Heinen, 7-12 EL Educator

In addition to the ML educators, ML aides further support students with their academics and language acquisition.  

ML Program Plan

The School District of Milton utilizes methods and services to ensure that MLs can meaningfully participate in the academic and special programs.  With the relatively low incident rate of MLs attending School District of Milton, the program type that serves MLs is primarily structured English immersion.  Classroom teachers design instruction based upon the WIDA Performance Indicators.  Individual student instruction is detailed on the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP).

Staff working with MLs have received access to professional development in supporting MLs in their classroom.  This training includes foundational concepts, instructional strategies, and differentiation based on the WIDA language standards. This has been offered to our staff through the online inservices and trainings, as well as individualized consultation with ML Committee members.

The district utilizes a Response to Intervention (RTI) model to provide interventions to those students targeted for additional support.  These interventions may include an increase in frequency, duration and intensity of core subjects and are outlined in the student ILP.  The district does not separate MLs beyond the extent necessary to achieve the goals of ILP.

Language development services are delivered within the regular classroom.  MLs assessed at an ELP Level 1 will receive additional language support through Rosetta Stone language software at the high school, middle school level, and sixth grade. At the high school level, a Study Skills for ML class period is offered for students at ELP Levels 1-5.

The support delivery model is instruction through inclusionary support with individualized services received through Title I, paraprofessional support, and at-risk programs.  All Levels 1-5 of ELs are served with this model.  Both language instruction and academic instruction are the responsibility of all staff serving MLs.  The District ML Program Coordinator assumes overall responsibility for overseeing the appropriate instruction to MLs.

The district offers a summer school program with courses in reading, mathematics, and a variety of enrichment course. These classes are open to all students, including our MLs and are taught by certified staff.