In Massachusetts, Multilingual Learners (MLs) is an umbrella term covering English Learners (ELs) currently receiving services, Former English Learners (FELs), Heritage Language Learners, World Language Learners, Dual Language Learners, and students whose first language isn't English. This broader definition helps us support and celebrate all students who bring multilingual assets to our schools.
In Lawrence, all educators are teachers of language, and all schools implement Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) for ELs in grades K-12. SEI combines two required components:
Sheltered Content Instruction (SCI)
Content-area instruction (taught by SEI-endorsed teachers) that integrates sheltering strategies to make grade-level content comprehensible while developing content-area academic language.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Direct, systematic language instruction (taught by ESL-licensed teachers) — delivered through pull-out, push-in, co-teaching, self-contained, or embedded models. LPS recommends Pull-Out and Self-Contained ESL as most effective, without removing students from core literacy or math.
SEI Course Opportunity: LPS plans to host full Teacher SEI Courses free of cost for LPS educators in the Fall and Spring. Details will be posted once available — reach out to Maria Gutierrez Rey with questions.
Note: recommended time is a floor, not a ceiling. Instruction should scale to each student's needs and progress.
Lawrence's bilingual education program is a Spanish-English Dual Language Education (DLE) program built on an additive bilingual model — affirming students' home language as a foundation for academic success and second-language acquisition.
Program basics:
Location: Arlington Elementary School, launched SY 2024-25
Model: One-way 80:20 (kindergarten: 80% Spanish, 20% English), shifting toward 50:50 by upper grades
Eligibility: Open to all students in the Arlington school zone, regardless of EL status; 48 seats per grade level, expanding one grade per year
Curriculum:
Literacy: American Reading Company CORE (ARC)
Math: enVision Matemáticas
Professional Development: Partnership with MABE (Massachusetts Association for Bilingual Education) for workshops, leadership institutes, and ongoing support aligned with the Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education.
Currently focused on Spanish instruction at the high school level, open to both World Language Learners (new to Spanish) and Heritage Language Learners (background in Spanish through family/community). Instruction is aligned to the Massachusetts World Languages Curriculum Framework and ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, with advanced coursework available through AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture.
Professional Development: Ongoing training aligned with ACTFL standards, plus partnership with MaFLA (Massachusetts Foreign Language Association).
⚠️ World Languages Progression and Curriculum details are still being finalized district-wide. Check back for updates!
Open to all students, including English Learners and Heritage Language Learners. Awarded to graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language.
English Proficiency: Grade 10 ELA MCAS score of 472+ (Seal) or 501+ (Distinction), OR 455-471 with a completed Educational Proficiency Plan — plus a 4.2+ overall WIDA ACCESS score (3.9+ in literacy).
World Language Proficiency: Intermediate-High or higher on an approved assessment (e.g., STAMP, AP Language and Culture), or a portfolio-based assessment if no test is available.
