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Beaverton highlights gains for multilingual learners; dual‑language expansion and newcomer supports credited
Summary
District staff told the board the multilingual program earned 'some progress' ratings on OTELP at both elementary and secondary levels, noting higher graduation rates for recent arrivals and former English learners; staff described dual language expansion and a $1.5 million investment in EL supports.
Beaverton School District staff reported measurable gains for multilingual learners during a May 12 school‑board spotlight.
Dr. Toshiko Morizio, administrator for multilingual programs, said both elementary and secondary multilingual programs are rated 'some progress' on Oregon’s OTELP accountability measure. She highlighted areas of notable progress including reductions in exclusionary discipline at elementary grades, improved elementary math achievement among current and former English learners, and increased inclusion of students with disabilities in general education at the secondary level.
Morizio said recent arrivals (students in the U.S. fewer than three years) had a graduation rate she cited at roughly 82.1 percent and former English learners a four‑year graduation rate of about 92.9 percent. Staff credited a targeted investment of $1.5 million from weighted EL funding two years ago and described high‑leverage supports including dual‑language programs, a newcomer program that serves grades 2–12 for up to one year of intensive support, language testing that awarded high‑school credits to eighth‑grade students in 27 languages, and robust translation/interpretation services via bilingual facilitators.
Board members asked about outreach and how families find new dual‑language programs; staff described surveys conducted in 2023–24, community engagement via bilingual facilitators and communications channels (including WeChat for Mandarin families), and plans to refresh engagement and surveying strategies. The district also confirmed transportation is provided for students assigned to dual‑language hub schools.
What’s next: Staff said the district will continue expanding access to dual‑language and world‑language courses in response to community interest and will re‑survey families to guide future expansions.
