At Hill View Montessori Charter Public School (HVMCPS), in order to identify students who are Multilingual Learners (MLs), state and federal regulations require the screening of those whose home language is other than English. Such students are evaluated in reading, writing, speaking and listening using the state WIDA Online assessment for grades 1-8, and the WIDA K assessment for Kindergarteners.

 

Students identified as MLs are provided instructional environments in which all educators share responsibility for their success, engage effectively with their families, and value and nurture their linguistic and cultural assets. MLs are taught by effective, well-prepared, and culturally responsive educators who hold them to high standards and have the resources and professional development they need to simultaneously advance the academic and linguistic development of the student.

 

MLs receive intensive, language-rich academic instruction that builds on their cultural and linguistic assets with attention to the linguistic, social, and emotional support they need to thrive in school. They receive instruction in their English Language Development (ELD) sessions, and within their general classrooms whereby their teachers are certified to provide Sheltered English Instruction (SEI). Bilingualism is celebrated and families are encouraged to engage in their home languages with the children in all aspects of daily life.

 

Once an ML reaches the academic and linguistic proficiency determined by State and District Determined Measures in reading, math, and other grade level expectations, the student is released from the intensive ELD sessions and becomes a Former English Learner (FEL) that is monitored for four years to ensure continued success.

 

ML/FELs at HVMCPS go on to thrive in high school and graduate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in college and/or a career of their choice, and to contribute to civic life in a global community.

 

Translation and Interpretation

 

HVMCPS provides all parents/guardians not just of limited English proficiency, the opportunity to have documents translated and/or meetings interpreted into their native language by request. 

 

When a child enrolls at HVMCPS, parents/guardians are provided with a home language survey that indicates native language and includes the option to formally request translated documents. Translated home language surveys are also available during the enrollment process. Although the home language survey is the primary source for the indication of translation preference, parents can be added to the translation list at any point in the school year, upon request. Additionally, parents can be removed from the translation list pending written notification by the parent. 

 

Per State and Federal guidelines, schools must communicate information to limited English proficient parents in a language they can understand about any program, service, or activity that is called to the attention of parents who are proficient in English. 

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This includes, but is not limited to, information related to: 

 

• registration and enrollment in school and school programs

• grievance procedures and notices of nondiscrimination

• language assistance programs

• parent handbooks 

• report cards  

• student discipline policies and procedures  

• special education and related services, and meetings to discuss special education  

• parent-teacher conferences 

• requests for parent permission for student participation in school activities

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