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MMSD reports about 5,300 English learners, outlines shift toward dual‑language immersion
Summary
District staff briefed the board on multilingual programming, reporting nearly 5,300 current English learners across about 102 languages, plans to convert remaining developmental bilingual programs to dual‑language immersion and steps to expand bilingual teacher licensing and transportation access.
Madison Metropolitan School District officials updated the board at an Instruction Work Group meeting on the size and direction of the district’s multilingual programming, saying the district serves one of the largest English‑learner populations in Wisconsin.
Dr. Joe Gothard, superintendent, told the board “our ELL percentage and number of children in Madison who receive multilingual services is larger than 90% of school districts in the state of Wisconsin.” The district said it has a current snapshot of “over 5,000, close to 5,300 English learners” and about 1,400 former English learners across roughly 102 languages.
District presenters said program data show both strengths and gaps. Staff reported 69 students in the Hmong bilingual K–7 program, and that more than 4,500 students participate in Spanish dual‑language immersion (DLI) districtwide. Officials said bilingual‑bicultural state…
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