Multilingual Learners Program
- Program Overview
- Parent and Family Engagement
- ACCESS for ELLs
- ML Teachers
- Resources for Parents
- Feedback
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Multilingual Learner program in Florence One is a state-funded instructional program for eligible Multilingual Learners in grades K-12. Teachers work closely with ML students in the domains of reading, writing, listening, and speaking to improve English proficiency. Instruction is planned and implemented using the WIDA English Language Development Standards. The WIDA standards are used as a guide to plan supportive lessons for English proficiency and improvement in academic content areas. The objectives and standards taught are correlated to the content area standards expected of all students in South Carolina classrooms.
It is the intent of Florence One that every student identified as limited in English proficiency, or whose primary language is something other than English, be provided with an equal opportunity to benefit from available services and educational programs. It is the goal of the Multilingual Learner program to enable Multilingual Learners to become competent in the English language, participate effectively in the classroom, become involved members of the school community, and ultimately become productive citizens.
Identification and Placement
- A Home Language Survey must be completed for each student registering for enrollment in Florence One Schools.
- If any response on the Home Language Survey indicates the use of a language other than English by the student or an individual in the home, then further information must be obtained to determine the student’s English-language proficiency.
- Based on the identification of a potential Multilingual Learner through the Home Language Survey, new MLs must be tested within thirty days of enrollment at the beginning of the school year, and within two weeks thereafter within the school year.
- An assessment is administered to determine English proficiency and the results are used to determine the student’s level of English proficiency and to make appropriate instructional and program placement decisions.
- Direct all questions and concerns to tcole@fsd1.org.
Parent and Family Engagement
Parent and Family Engagement
Talking Points
Multilingual Learner teachers in Florence One use the app TalkingPoints to communicate with families in many languages. The TalkingPoints app allows teachers to connect and communicate with parents via text messaging directly to their phones and in their native languages. Visit Talking Points for more information on this valuable resource.
Preschool Parent Engagement
Preschool Parent Engagement
For questions about the preschool program in Florence One, please contact the School of Readiness Director Danielle O'Neal at doneal@fsd1.org.
Advanced Placement Parent Engagement Meeting
Advanced Placement Parent Engagement Meeting
West Florence High School held a parent engagement meeting on Thursday, May 20 to inform parents and students about advanced placement course options. The program is available to all students and offers college credit and an AP Capstone diploma. Please contact Sherry Young at syoung@fsd1.org for more information about the benefits of advanced placement courses for next school year.
ACCESS for ELLs
ACCESS for ELLs
All students served in our Multilingual Learner program are administered a language proficiency assessment, ACCESS for ELLs, each year to help school districts monitor the English language development of identified Multilingual Learners. The ACCESS for ELLs assessment provides program accountability while tracking the readiness of students to exit the program. The test measures English language proficiency in the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Student scores are kept in their permanent records and a copy is sent home to parents. The scores reflect proficiency levels ranging from Level 1 (Entering) to Level 6 (Reaching).
Multilingual Learners in grades K-12 must take ACCESS for ELLs each spring, including students whose parents have waived direct ESOL services, until they have scored “Fully English Proficient.” Currently in South Carolina, “Fully English Proficient” means that a student has a composite score of 4.4 or higher on their ACCESS for ELLs assessment or a score of P1 or higher on the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs assessment.
ML Teachers
ML Teachers
SONIA JOHNSON
Resources for Parents
Florence One District Liaisons:
The Multilingual Learner program has two liaisons who are bilingual in Spanish and English. If you are needing assistance for your child, please contact:
Ana Rivera Ronquillo for Elementary School: arivera@fsd1.org
Mauro Diaz Donaire for Middle and High School: mdiazdonaire@fsd1.org
Helpful Websites for English Learners
Learning a new language can be fun! The internet can be a great resource for additional English language practice! The following sites can be accessed at home or at your public library to reinforce the use of the English language as it pertains to academic instruction.
Supporting Multilingual Learners (MLs)
Tips to Support Learning at School and at Home:
- Ensure that the student attends school daily, completes homework, and participates fully in classes.
- Encourage the student to participate in extra-curricular activities such as after-school clubs, sports, band, etc.
- Ask for other resources available from Multilingual Learner teachers, bilingual community liaisons, social workers, and counselors.
- Be aware of standardized testing or Exam dates and ensure that the student arrives at school rested and on time.
- Attend parent/teacher conferences, school events, and activities. (interpreters can be provided by the school)
- Learn about high school graduation requirements and opportunities for education after high school.
- Find a tutor if necessary. If parents cannot directly help with homework, ask for help locating a tutor to help your children with school work.
- Read bilingual books together. Bilingual books are a great way for ML students and their family to learn new vocabulary.
- Promote communication in your home language and/or English by discussing school, community, world events, friendships, challenges, stress, goals, etc.
Resource Links
Feedback
Questions or Comments
Have a question or comment for the staff of the Multilingual Learners Department?
We want to hear from you!
Send an email to tcole@fsd1.org
Survey
Your feedback is important in helping us improve our English Language Development (ELD) program. We value your involvement in shaping the learning experience for your child and ensuring that the program meets the needs of all students. Please take a few moments to complete this survey.
Program Contacts
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction k-5/ Title III for Florence 1 Schools
Michelle Wynn
michelle.mcbride@fsd1.org
Secondary Assistant Superintendent of Instruction 6-12/ Title III for Florence 1 Schools
Gregory Hall
ghall@fsd1.org
Lead ESOL Teacher/Coach
Teresa Cole
tcole@fsd1.org