ML Identification

Identifying a Student as an Multilingual Learner (ML)

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, states are required to have a statewide identification procedure for all Multilingual Learners.  Districts are required to use the state-developed Home Language Survey. 

Districts must ensure identification and exiting records for all potential Multilingual Learners who are screened by the district for ESL services (this includes current and former Multilingual Learners as well as students determined not to qualify for ESL services) are filed in the student’s cumulative folder.  This will aid in providing ESL services when students move across districts. The following list of items must be maintained in the cumulative folder:

• Initial Language Use Survey (Home Language Survey)

• Initial identification screener results

• Initial ESL program placement letter, if student qualifies for ESL services

• “Waiver of service” letter, signed by parent/guardian

• Annual state English language proficiency assessment results

• “Exit-as-proficient” letter, when student has reached English proficiency