Multilingual Learners Program

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.  

There are many resources parents use to assist in their children’s academic success. Below are some resources for you and your students.

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.

Colorin Colorado

Colorin Colorado - en español

Help your child to read - Colorin Colorado

Fun Resources For Kids

PBS Kids

Fun Brain

Story Place

Starfall

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 from ML teachers, bilingual community liaisons, social workers, and counselors.
• Be aware of standardized testing dates and ensure that the student arrives at school rested and on time.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences, school events, and activities. (An interpreter 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, encourage them to locate a tutor to help their children and answer any questions.
• Read bilingual books together. Bilingual books are a great way for ELL families to practice reading skills.
• Promote communication in your home language and/or English by discussing school, community, world events, friendships, challenges, stress, goals, etc.