Previously known as ESOL (English to speakers of other languages) or EL (English learner), the term, multilingual learner, is a strength-based label that recognizes students' ability to become bilingual or multilingual.  The term highlights the student's ability to speak more than one language and the value languages add to society.  Milford has approximately 138 multilingual learners with over 43 languages spoken at home including Spanish, Mandarin, Turkish, Arabic, Hindi, Portuguese, Telugu, Tamil, and Urdu.  

The multilingual learner program focuses on the English language development of eligible students. Instruction is based on both content and language standards (CELP or CT English Proficiency Standards).  Certified TESOL/multilingual learner teachers work alongside classroom teachers to support the content and language learning needs of students identified as multilingual learners (MLs).  

CELP standards are the Connecticut English Language Proficiency standards used to guide language learning for multilingual learners in the state of CT.  Each level of proficiency is supported by descriptors to help understand what students are able to accomplish at the end of each proficiency level.  There are 10 language standards that promote reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.  The four language modalities are also tied to English Language Arts standards and other subject area standards.

Students are identified based on the home language survey and an English placement test called the LAS links or the Pre-LAS (Kindergarten) and remain eligible for services until they reach English language proficiency.  Please refer to the identification flowchart here.

Students who receive services for English language development may exit the program once proficiency is reached.  English proficiency is met when the student's overall LAS Links score is 4 or 5 and a 4 or higher is scored in both the reading and writing subtests.  Please access the official exit statement here.