District updates multilingual learners work: new DESE tools, 57 MLs, Title III summer plans
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Summary
The district’s multilingual program lead presented DESE’s updated language survey and ACCESS/Vida testing changes, reported 57 multilingual learners (25 ELs and 32 former ELs), and outlined Title III‑funded summer programming and family interpretation supports.
The district’s multilingual education lead presented Feb. 25 on recent DESE updates and how the regional schools are implementing them.
The presenter described DESE’s revised language survey (now three sections: language use, access needs and prior education), a new rubric for consistent identification, VIDA/ACCESS testing changes and newly released language charts designed to support instructional planning. She said the district currently counts 57 multilingual learners — 25 English learners (ELs) and 32 former ELs — and that about 13 languages are represented; Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic were the most common languages noted.
On accountability the presenter said the district achieved a 100% participation rate on ACCESS/VIDA testing this cycle and that about 62% of students were marked as making significant progress. She explained DESE reclassification criteria: students meeting the state thresholds (for example, an overall score near DESE cut points) are reclassified and then monitored for four years. "Per DESE requirements, this breakdown determines instructional intensity and the supports each student is to receive," she said.
The district plans to use Title III funds again for summer programming and professional development and highlighted interpreter and translation supports to ensure families can fully participate in their children’s education. Administrators said they updated PowerSchool registration modules to accommodate the new language survey and trained staff on the identification rubric.
Committee members asked about potential federal funding shifts; administrators noted a continuing resolution had level‑funded Title grants and they were monitoring House budget numbers. The presentation closed with upcoming family engagement events including an English Learner Parent Advisory Council meeting in March.