English Language Development
The Multilingual Learner (MLL) department at the high school is dedicated to helping our MLLs improve their English language skills and providing them with the skills needed for success in core class content. By valuing the many home languages and cultures of our students, the MLL department strives to foster community in and out of the high school. MLL teachers offer a variety of English language development (ELD) classes to give equitable access to education, from co-teaching content classes to sheltered ELD classes. To measure students’ English language acquisition and to track student progress, the school administers the WIDA ACCESS for MLLs every year. This summative assessment examines students’ proficiency within the four domains of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It also helps the MLL department identify areas for improvement in the ELD curricula to better support our students. Additionally, formative assessments given within classes provide more immediate feedback for enriching student learning. Each class is focused on language acquisition and academic success, following both ELD and content standards.