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Dr. Washington outlines ELD program: about 307 students across roughly 38 languages
Summary
Dr. Washington told the Waynesville R‑VI board that the district serves roughly 307 English‑language learners across about 38 languages, and highlighted building‑level growth on STAR and MAP assessments; board members asked how students are identified and were told the district uses a language use survey and contracted translators when needed.
Dr. Washington presented the English Language Development program review to the Waynesville R‑VI Board, saying the district "currently have[s] around 307 students who we service for English language development" and that about 38 languages are spoken across district schools.
The presentation summarized building‑level enrollment and outcomes. Dr. Washington reported that several elementary grades exceeded the 2025 MAP state averages for ELA proficiency and that many ELD students showed growth on STAR reading and math between fall and winter testing (for example, Wood reported 97 percent of served students met grade‑level or showed improvement in STAR reading). He said the district’s ELD goals center on using assessment data to drive instruction, providing targeted monthly professional development, and improving communication with families.
Board member questions focused on identification and family outreach. Dr. Washington said students are identified via a language‑use survey administered at enrollment; if a household indicates another language is used, the student receives a screening that determines eligibility for services. He noted the district maintains an internal list of translators and has a contract with a commercial translation provider to cover languages not represented on staff.
Board members thanked staff for the report and for efforts to connect families and build cultural awareness in classrooms. The presentation included building snapshots—Williams Jerley Childhood Center (about 39 ELD students and 13 languages), Partridge (about 42 students), East (42 students), Freedom (42 students and 13 languages), Waynesville Sixth Grade Center (12 students), Waynesville Middle School (21 students), and Waynesville High School (45 ELD students, 16 languages). Dr. Washington also highlighted instructional strategies such as co‑teaching, flexible grouping, peer same‑language groups, and targeted after‑school activities to build vocabulary and cultural awareness.
The board did not take any formal action on the ELD report; it was presented for information and questions. The district indicated staff will continue outreach to parents and use contracted translation services when a language is not available in‑house.
