District outlines world‑language rollout and English‑as‑a‑new‑language services; board asks about elementary language offerings and assessment results

Middle Country Central School District staff presented an instructional overview of the world language program and the district’s English as a new language (E and L) services, describing curriculum changes tied to revised New York State language standards, assessment practice, family communication tools and Title III funding that supports multilingual students and families.

"Thank you for this opportunity to present to you, updates on the world language and English as a new language department," said Miss Pacifico, the district’s director of world studies PK–12, who led the presentation. The presentation covered the state’s revised world language standards, implementation checkpoints (A, B and C), the district’s use of the FLACS consortium assessment for checkpoint testing, and a plan to fully implement revised standards by the 2028–29 school year.

Nut graf: Why it matters Board members heard that world language and E and L programming affect graduation pathways, assessment requirements and family engagement. The district described tools and programs intended to support biliteracy, academic progress and family communication, and outlined how Title III grant funds are used for supplemental supports.

Key details from the presentation - World languages: New York State identifies checkpoints (A, B, C) that map to proficiency levels. Middle Country begins language study in seventh grade; students take the first checkpoint assessment after eighth grade and a second checkpoint in tenth grade if pursuing an advanced Regents diploma. The district partners with the FLACS consortium for standards‑aligned assessments and with Suffolk County Community College for some dual‑enrollment/college‑level courses. - Seal of Biliteracy: The district is exploring the New York State Seal of Biliteracy as an endorsement for diplomas. Staff said students would demonstrate high proficiency in both English and a world language, often through coursework and a culminating project similar to the district capstone. - English as a new language (E and L): Programming follows NYSED Part 154 regulations. The district uses the New York Identification Test for English language learners (NYSITELL) for screening and the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in spring for annual assessment and exit decisions. The district provides stand‑alone E and L periods plus sheltered ELA instruction delivered by dually certified teachers. Staff noted that many supports—translation of report cards via PowerSchool, TalkingPoints two‑way messaging and pocket translators—are funded partly through Title III grants. - Family and professional supports: District E and L teachers run a professional development committee, monthly tips and a Google Classroom for staff resources. TalkingPoints was cited as a widely used two‑way messaging tool that translates messages into parents’ preferred languages.

Questions from the board Board member Mr. DiBenedetto asked whether the district had looked into an elementary‑based world language program or the federal Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAS). Miss Pacifico said the district had not participated in FLAS and noted capacity, staffing and resource constraints would need evaluation, but also noted a large number of heritage/native speakers in the district that could support future biliteracy options.

Board member Ms. Haggerty asked about published FLACS results: the presentation slide showed 32% mastery in Spanish A for June 2024. Miss Pacifico characterized that figure as an outlier reflecting students repeating high‑school language requirements or students newly arriving from out of state; she said it does not represent the typical progression at the district’s standard checkpoints.

What the transcript does not include The transcript does not include final decisions to launch an elementary world language program, changes to staffing or a formal vote on the Seal of Biliteracy. The district said it is exploring the seal and would leverage existing capstone structures if it offers the Seal program.

Where this was recorded in the meeting transcript The instructional overview began when Miss Pacifico came to the podium for a world language and E and L presentation and concluded at the end of her remarks when she invited questions.