Multilingual Learners

A Multilingual Learner or MLL is a child whose home language is not English and who is still in the process of becoming proficient in English. Multilingual students include all students who speak a language other than English at home. About 1 in 5 children in the U.S. fall into this category. The current laws in the United States (and in Connecticut) require that MLL students receive special English instruction until they are proficient in English.

Children come to Norwalk Public Schools speaking many different languages. School districts are required by law to identify children who speak a language other than English at home and to assess those students to see if they would benefit from English Language Services. Therefore, upon registration at the Family Center, students are given an English Language proficiency test called LAS Links Assessment.

The assessment will determine the child’s English proficiency level in four areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Your child will receive a score for each of these language modalities, as well as receive an overall score.

• Level 1 - Beginning
• Level 2 - Early Intermediate
• Level 3 - Intermediate
• Level 4 - Proficient
• Level 5 - Above Proficient

Based on the results of the child’s score, he/she will be eligible to join one of the three MLL programs offered in the Norwalk Public Schools.

• Bilingual - Spanish Native Language Support (All Norwalk Public Schools)
• Transitional Bilingual (English/ Spanish) Program - A program in which two languages are used to provide content matter instruction. Over time, the use of the native language is decreased and the use of English is increased until only English is used. Students become biliterate and culturally competent to use their skills in a global society. (Brien McMahon High School)
• ESL Program-Language Arts, and content-area instruction are taught in English with the support of certified TESOL teachers. (All Norwalk Public Schools)
• Dual Language One-Way Dual Language: Students who come from the same home language have the opportunity to learn in two languages. The students will be fully immersed in a 50/50 Dual Language program. Instruction is provided in English and Spanish. (Brookside Elementary School & Jefferson Marine Academy)
• Two-Way Dual Language: Full Immersion English/Spanish Is based on the premise that two groups of students each with different home languages collaborate and learn together in one class, students are instructed in both English & Spanish so that both groups. (Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School)

We have high expectations for all students who enter one of our three MLL programs and we expect all students to graduate from high school. Our specific goals of the MLL program are:

• To facilitate English language acquisition through communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• To provide educational experiences that will prepare students to complete high school and to enter institutions of higher education and/or the world of work
• To orientate students and their families to the school and the community
• To encourage students to continue to value and celebrate their cultural heritage

At the end of every school year, MLLs will be re-administered the LAS Links Assessment to see their English Language development and growth. If a student receives an overall score of Proficient (Level 4) or Above Proficient (Level 5) while having received a level 4 or 5 in reading and writing, the student can exit their program.

The human brain can store many languages at the same time, just as computers do. In some countries and cultures, children become fluent in five or more languages. Having strong skills in one language helps children to learn other languages more easily and to become strong critical thinkers.