FCPS shows gains for multilingual learners; superintendent cites new materials, instruction and WIDA ACCESS data

Fairfax County Public Schools reported preliminary gains in English language proficiency for multilingual learners during the School Board’s July 10 meeting, attributing progress to new instructional materials and coordinated ESOL instruction. Superintendent Michelle Reid told the board that preliminary multilingual learner progress figures show an increase from 48.3% in 2023 to 57.1% in 2025. Reid said the division’s multilingual learner population is now “well over 35,000” students and that staff expect to post final data when state results are released. Dr. Reid and staff described instructional changes including the first elementary materials expressly designed for multilingual learners (Benchmark Express) and closer alignment between ESOL teachers and grade‑level classroom instruction so that language objectives, scaffolds and pre‑teaching support access to Tier 1 content. Staff explained that the WIDA ACCESS test — the Virginia Department of Education’s approved English language proficiency assessment used in 41 states and territories — measures growth across listening, speaking, reading and writing. Board members asked about targets: staff said the local target for the year had been 59% while the state target had been 56% for a prior year; the division reported meeting the state benchmark and approaching the local goal. Board members asked several questions about the work: Ms. Sizemore Heizer commended the progress while urging continued attention to ensuring multilingual learners can access high‑level academic coursework while still in language support programs. Members also asked how potential federal funding freezes could affect services; Superintendent Reid said staff were reviewing impacts and would provide an update. The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken. Staff flagged next steps including continued curriculum alignment, work on mathematics placement for multilingual students and further monitoring of state test results.