FCPS outlines supports for multilingual learners as enrollment rises 35% since 2021

Caitlin Moore, supervisor of the Multilingual Education Program for Frederick County Public Schools, told the Curriculum & Instruction Committee that the district currently serves just over 3,800 active multilingual learners and has seen about a 35 percent enrollment increase since 2021.

Moore said the department’s work falls into two broad areas: instruction for students in classrooms and community wraparound supports. “We provide multilingual learners with equitable access to comprehensive educational services as required under Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act,” Moore said, summarizing the program’s federal mandate and central role in supporting schools.

The instructional approach centers on a co‑teaching model: ML students remain in grade‑level classrooms and receive additional support from certificated multilingual education teachers. At the elementary level the program offers supplemental language comprehension aligned to English language arts and newcomer onboarding supports. At the secondary level Moore said students may take targeted coursework such as English as a World Language, and the district offers an ESOL 100…