The MCSD community takes pride in the cultural and linguistic diversity present in our schools. We recognize the unique perspectives, varied experiences, and great potential for success that our multilingual learners bring to the school environment.  We also embrace the inherent challenges in teaching learners with developing language needs.   

In the Spring of 2015, Montrose County School District invited the Colorado Department of Education to complete a thorough review of the district’s English language development program.  The foundation used for the review was Castaneda v. Pickard (1981), the landmark court case that established a three-pronged approach to determine CLD program compliance with the Office for Civil Rights laws and Department of Justice court mandates.  CDE added a fourth prong that focuses efforts around the effective communication and collaboration necessary for organizational effectiveness.  The four prongs, as outlined by CDE, follow:

1. Theory:  Educationally sound and research-based

2. Practice:  Effective implementation-transforming theory into practice with fidelity-with adequate resources and personnel

3. Results:  Analysis of information, program evaluation, modification, and plan for improvement

4. Communication and Collaboration:  Efforts resulting in common goals

MCSD embraced the guidance provided by the review and set forth a plan for a five year journey of improvement.  Beginning in the fall of 2015, district personnel, teachers, staff, families, students, and community members pulled together to develop a strong English language development program that supports our multilingual learners.   Visit Colorado Department of Education's Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education here.