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Board hears proposal to rename ESL courses to ‘English language development’ and ‘multilingual lab’
Summary
The board discussed a proposal from Director of Curriculum Quinn Trueblood to rename four courses currently labeled English as a Second Language to asset‑based titles: English Language Development 1–2 and Multilingual Lab 1–2. The board agreed to place the item on a future consent agenda.
Dr. Quinn Trueblood, the district director of curriculum and instruction, asked the board on Dec. 2 to approve name changes for four courses currently titled "English as a Second Language." Trueblood described the change as an update to asset‑based language and compliance with state coding.
"It is outdated to say that we are English as a second language. We are English language learners now," Trueblood said, arguing the new names better reflect course content and measurement.
The requested renamings are:
- English as a Second Language 1 → English Language Development 1 - English as a Second Language 2 → English Language Development 2 - English as a Second Language 3 → Multilingual Lab 1 - English as a Second Language 4 → Multilingual Lab 2
Why it matters: Course titles affect student and family perception, course coding for state reporting and how programs are described in curriculum materials. Trueblood told the board the district will follow Wisconsin’s coding procedures when making name changes so state reporting remains accurate.
Board discussion was limited to clarifying that the proposal is a naming change only, not a curriculum change. Superintendent Todd Wimmer said the item was largely procedural and recommended placing it on a future consent agenda unless board members requested further discussion.
The board indicated no objection to placing the renaming on the consent agenda at a future meeting, and staff said they would present the item as such. No formal vote was taken on the name changes at the Dec. 2 meeting.
