State Board adopts Connecticut English Learner and Multilingual Learner Framework

The State Board of Education voted to adopt the Connecticut English Learner and Multilingual Learner (ELML) Framework after presentations from the framework team on Dec. 3, 2025. The board approved the framework by voice vote after a presentation that described four organizing principles — skilled educators, evidence-based practices, family and community engagement, and continuous improvement — and outlined next steps for statewide dissemination and technical assistance.

Megan, a member of the development team, said the framework "reflects our collective commitment to supporting the success of English learners, multilingual learners across the state," and described plans to share the document in print and online and to establish regional cohorts and professional learning sessions. Maribel, a co-presenter, said the framework intentionally defines shared roles for classroom educators, school leaders, district leaders and state leadership so that ELML support is a systemwide responsibility.

Board members praised the multi-year stakeholder process and the policy committee review that preceded the adoption. The chair framed the vote as the culmination of more than four years of work and called for broad implementation supports; the motion to adopt carried on a voice vote.

The board published an executive summary and committed to supporting districts with webinars, regional technical assistance and materials intended to make the framework actionable for local leaders. The document is voluntary but board members said CSDE will use coaching and follow-up to encourage implementation and to inform future state-level support.

The immediate procedural next steps include posting the framework on the CSDE web page and scheduling statewide information sessions. The board recorded the motion and carried the vote; committee appointments followed later in the meeting.