District reports steady multilingual‑learner population and prepares for DESE testing changes

Salvi, the district multilingual‑learner coordinator, presented the annual update Feb. 25, reporting that the district has about 57 multilingual learners (25 currently identified as English learners and 32 former ELs) across roughly 13 languages with Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic most common.

Salvi explained the district uses DESE's dual nomenclature (EL for accountability and "multilingual learner" as an asset‑based term) and described procedural changes: an updated language survey for new registrations, a redesigned kindergarten access assessment and VIDA/ACCESS revisions for grades 1–12 that will influence instructional placements and reclassification. "We use both terms intentionally — ML for identity and EL for accountability," Salvi said.

She said the district attained a 100% participation rate on the most recent ACCESS testing window and that about 62% of students were recorded as making "significant process progress," which informs reclassification decisions. Salvi also outlined identification procedures (language survey → screening → records review → placement) and described the sheltered English immersion (SEI) model combined with SCI strategies across content areas.

Salvi noted practical supports: about 62 families require interpretation or translation and the district has trained staff and interpreters to facilitate family engagement. She said the district will again use Title 3 funds for summer programming. The committee thanked Salvi and asked about the seal of biliteracy and assessment options; administrators confirmed some state colleges grant credits for the seal and that the district uses vendor assessments to evaluate proficiency across reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Administration emphasized the district will monitor outcomes under the new state guidance and report results after the ACCESS window closes.