Emmett ISD outlines multilingual-learner program; 5% of students identified as ML/EL
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Summary
District ML/EL coordinator presented program structure (designated and integrated ELD, MTSS alignment), staff training, and an enrollment snapshot showing about 5% of students identified as multilingual learners, primarily Spanish speakers.
The district’s multilingual-learner (ML/EL) coordinator gave a detailed overview of services and program structure for students who are learning English. She explained the distinction between designated (systematic) English language development (ELD) classes and integrated ELD strategies embedded in core instruction, and described how the district is using WIDA standards and an MTSS framework to differentiate instruction and avoid conflating language difference with disabilities.
Staffing includes an ML coordinator, four ML positions (three elementary, one secondary) and a part-time high school role. The coordinator said about 103 students currently meet the state’s ML/EL identification criteria, representing roughly 5% of district enrollment; languages represented include Spanish (most common), Tagalog, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Punjabi and American Sign Language. The coordinator described writing clearer expected-growth targets into English Learner Plans (ELPs) and training ML staff on can-do descriptors to make instructional expectations more concrete.
Trustees asked clarifying questions about ASL supports and whether integrated models require separate instruction; staff said interpreters support students who use sign language and that the district is not currently teaching ASL as a separate language class for all students. The board thanked the coordinator and requested continued updates as MTSS/integrated ELD rollout continues.