Multilingual Learning

Services are aligned to:

• WIDA English Language Development Standards
• Minnesota Department of Education guidance
• Federal and state requirements for English learner programming

Students may receive support through:

• Push-in language support within the classroom
• Small-group English language instruction
• Co-teaching and collaboration models
• Sheltered instructional supports
• Targeted intervention and language development services

Instruction is designed to help students:

• Develop academic English
• Access grade-level learning
• Build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• Strengthen communication and collaboration skills

All families complete the Minnesota Language Survey during enrollment. If a language other than English is indicated, students may participate in a language proficiency screener to determine eligibility for English language development services.

Students who qualify for services receive support based on:

• English language proficiency level

• Academic needs

• Classroom performance

• ACCESS assessment results

Families are notified regarding:

• Eligibility for services

• Program placement

• Continued eligibility

• Exit from services

Families may request information or ask questions about services at any time.

We believe family partnership is essential to student success. Families are encouraged to participate in:

• Parent-teacher conferences

• Goal-setting conversations

• School events and activities

• Communication with teachers and support staff

Interpretation and translation services are available for conferences, meetings, and important school communications.

South St. Paul Public Schools is committed to ensuring families can access information in a language they understand.

Available supports include:

• Written translation of important communications

• Interpretation for conferences and meetings

• In-person and telephone interpretation services

• Spanish-speaking liaison support

• Translation through district communication platforms based on preferred language settings

Staff may occasionally use digital translation tools such as Google Translate for informal communication. When digital translation tools are used, staff will communicate that the message was translated using an automated translation service.

Our multilingual learner program collaborates with:

• General education teachers

• Special education teams

• Intervention services

• School counselors and social workers

• Family and cultural liaisons

We recognize that multilingual learners may also qualify for additional services, including special education, gifted programming, and intervention supports.

• Language Access Plan
• Minnesota Department of Education Exit Flowchart
• MDE English Learner Website
• MDE Support for Immigrant Children and Youth
• MDE English Learner Support
• My Child is an ELL (Parent Resource English)
• My Child is an ELL (Parent Resource Spanish)
• My Child is an ELL Video: What does it mean?