Springfield Township SD presents revised English language development program for board review

The Springfield Township School District presented a revised English language development program of study that district leaders say aligns with the latest Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance and the WIDA ACCESS assessment and will guide services through the 2028 school year.

Michelle Lutz, director of support services, told the Academic Affairs Committee the document replaces the label “English learner” with “multilingual learner” and “links the most recent guidance on ELD programming and requirements for multilingual learners as documented in our state and federal requirements.” She said the plan defines screening, identification, placement, instructional programming, reclassification and monitoring, staff development, family and community engagement, program evaluation and resources, and that it will be translated and posted on the district website.

The team described other changes and investments included in the program: establishing instructional-minute recommendations tied to students’ WIDA ACCESS levels; the creation of high school courses approved last year by the board; purchases of intervention materials; year-round access to a computer-based intervention through the intermediate unit; and efforts to expand family engagement. “We strive to welcome, educate, and develop our multilingual students so that they are strong and responsible global citizens who are resilient, successful, and able to adapt to a changing world,” Lutz said.

Tammy Spoll (high school ELD teacher and ELD coordinator), Sarah Schmidt (middle school ELD teacher), Lindsey Zimmerman (Erdenheim teacher) and Janette Koehler (Enfield teacher) were introduced as the building-based ELD staff who will implement the plan.

Committee members asked whether the program needs a separate mission statement. Lutz said the team tied its language to the district’s equity work and district mission but kept a program-level statement so the work is explicit in district documents. Committee chair Damien Johnston said a board policy requires the program guide be approved by the board, and the committee agreed to add the revised program of study to the upcoming full-board agenda for formal consideration.

The district did not present a vote at the committee meeting; staff said the program guide will be posted on the district website and translated for families and that the formal approval will occur at the board meeting.