We exist in partnership with students and families who have the richness of more than one language and culture, ensuring that every student is an empowered and valued member of our inclusive and collaborative school learning communities.
Multilingual Education (MLE)
Mission
Vision
We are a courageous and innovative community that advances equitable and sustainable systems with asset-based practices that foster and nurture our shared humanity.
The Kent School District Multilingual Education Program strives to provide high quality and inclusive services for multilingual learners with the belief that being multilingual is an asset, not a deficit. Schools are expected to limit the amount of time students are pulled from class to receive MLE services.
MLE services are supplemental supports for qualified students.
MLE services are NOT a replacement to core instruction and should not be used as a barrier to participating and accessing other opportunities that non-multilingual learners have access to.
Continuum of MLE Services
This image shows a continuum of MLE services that schools are expected to reflect and improve.
Process and Identification
This process is in alignment with requirements from the WA state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
If a language other than English is marked on the Home Language Survey on Questions 2 or 3, during enrollment, then the school is required to screen the student using the WIDA English Language Proficiency Screener. The screener must be given to the student within 10 school days.
The student’s score will determine if they are eligible for MLE services. See below for criteria:
Kindergarten (through December 31) must have a minimum domain score of 5 in listening and speaking and a minimum composite score of 5 in oral language.
Kindergarten (beginning January 1) and Grade 1 must have a minimum domain score of 4 in all domains and a minimum composite score of 4.5 overall.
Grades 2 through 12 must have a minimum domain score of 4 in all domains and a minimum composite score of 5 overall.
WIDA Alternate Screener, Grades K-12 must have a minimum composite score of 5.0.
If the student qualifies for MLE services, the family will receive a notification letter with more information about their score, the program model, and services.
Program Models
At all program models it is expected for MLE services to be inclusive and limit the amount of time that students are pulled out from their class. Please contact your child’s schools for more information about what your child’s MLE services look like during their school day.
Kent School District implements three program models approved by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Services
MLE services are also referred as English Language Development (ELD). There are two components to ELD services that are required for students that qualify.
Designated ELD
Students receive instruction on their English proficiency using our state adopted language standards (WIDA). Designated ELD is generally provided by MLE staff individually or in a small group. It is recommended that this is done in the classroom. It is not recommended for students to be pulled out of their classroom, although it may occur.
Integrated ELD
Students receive meaningful access to grade level academic content instruction. Classroom teachers use research-based strategies during classroom instruction to ensure all students, including multilingual students, can access grade level content. This is typically done during core instruction by the classroom teacher in collaboration with an MLE staff member.
Contact Us
Please contact your child’s school for further information about the MLE program model and services that are offered.
f you have additional questions, please contact our district MLE team.
KSD MLE Team
(253) 373-3000