Multilingual Education
Overview
Malden Public Schools’ English Learner Education (ELE) Program aims to support English Learners (ELs) in achieving English language proficiency and gaining access to grade-level core content. The program prepares students for success in college, career, and active participation in a global society.
The program is based on the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework, which guides language-rich, content-driven instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 12. EL students are placed in appropriate ESL courses according to their English language proficiency, determined through ACCESS scores or the WIDA Screener during registration.
On average, ELs typically achieve proficiency in four to seven years, although the timeline can vary. Students' academic progress is monitored through a combination of assessments, including statewide ACCESS testing and other standards-based evaluations. At the end of each year, the Language Acquisition Team reviews ACCESS scores, benchmark assessments, and student work samples to determine appropriate course placement for the following year.
ELs who reach an overall ACCESS score of 4.2 as well as a literacy score of 3.9 are eligible to exit the program, though they will continue to be monitored for four additional years to ensure sustained language development and academic progress.
Program Structure
Using information collected from the Home Language Survey at the time of registration, potential English Learner students are assessed using the WIDA Screener in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English. Based on these results, each English Learner (EL) student is placed in an English Language Education (ELE) program designed to meet their linguistic and academic needs. Our programs prioritize students’ linguistic levels when we assign them to an ELE program while ensuring they receive the appropriate grade-level content. Medford offers a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) program.
English Language Proficiency Benchmarks
English language proficiency benchmarks for English Learners (ELs) support district staff to strengthen student outcomes for ELs. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education annually determines the English language proficiency benchmarks and sets individual targets for each EL in the district. This is an indication of which students are on track to attain English proficiency within six years of entering a Massachusetts public school. Progress Monitoring plans are established for each EL student not making progress on the ACCESS 2.0 test. In addition, ELD Progress Reports are sent home to inform caregivers of students’ progress throughout the school year.
English Learners with disabilities
As with all other students who have a disability and require services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, English Learner (EL) students receive special education services in accordance with their IEPs. ELs identified as having a disability are entitled to both English language development programming and special education programming. ELs must receive all supports, resources, and programming for which they are eligible.