Mount Mansfield Unified School District embraces the linguistic and cultural diversity of all students and their families.  Together, we are one community, with a wide background of varied lenses, experiences, knowledge, and expertise.

Our English Learner Program assists English learners in reaching academic achievement in English, and achieving the same high standards in the same challenging state academic standards that all students in the district are expected to meet. EL students have the right to the same education as peers, and to participate in any and all extracurricular activities, clubs, and programs. It is the responsibility of the district to ensure access is possible.

Multilingual Learners are entitled to access all support provided through general education and MTSS. School personnel will provide extra support in ensuring that students are able to access programming and support offered  at each school.

School Counselors: Multilingual Learners and their families are supported in registration, placement, social emotional supports, and other school supports through their school counselor.

Intervention: Multilingual Learners should be considered for intervention services in collaboration with the EL teacher. The school team will need to look at comprehensive school assessment data in the context of the student’s linguistic background and skills to determine whether the student meets criteria for intervention. Intervention services cannot replace the first instruction in English language instruction by the EL teacher.

Special Education Services: Multilingual Learners should not be over identified for special education as a result of their Limited English Proficiency. However, if a Multilingual Learner is found to have a disability, that student is eligible for a 504 or Individualized Education Plan and the services and accommodations associated with that plan.

Parents Right to Language Translation & Interpreting

The school district will provide an interpreter, in the parents heritage language so they may fully access and participate in parent conferences, school open houses, and any meeting pertaining to the child.  Parents will also be provided with an interpreter for the following purposes: calling and receiving calls from the school and school nurse. Another option for families when needing to reach school is to use Talking Points for Families. This is a free application - cell phone app. that lets families communicate with their children’s teachers and school. You will be able to send and receive messages through this application in your preferred language, because TalkingPoints will translate your message into English.  In addition, any printed school notices, progress reports, and report cards will be translated. The MMUSD main website provides the option of switching the viewing language from English to a wide variety of languages.  

Using the Heritage Language to Access Curriculum 

Research has shown that English language learners who already read and write in their heritage language, over the long term, reach English language proficiency more rapidly when they are able to utilize their heritage language for the purpose of  accessing academic content ,and demonstrating knowledge.  Utilizing the heritage language is most beneficial during the first 3 years of English language acquisition.

Realistically, what does this look like?

Classroom & EL teachers will provide English learners who already read & write in their heritage language with dual-language learning material as needed to ensure equal access. This includes: Text readings, articles, homework assignments, quizzes and tests in both the heritage language and English.  Students may also view websites and videos related to the content being introduced in their heritage language. In addition students who are not yet writing English, may write assignments in their heritage language using Google Docs, and translate it into English by using Google Translation Tools.  Once a student is reading and writing English, this form of scaffolding will be discontinued.  

This right to this type of scaffolding comes from the fact that by law, EL students have the legal right to fully access and fully participate in the same content curriculum as peers.  

(The Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) of 1974 prohibits discrimination against students and requires school districts to take action to ensure equal access and participation for all students. This includes ELs right to access their grade-level curriculum and participate in the core curriculum,  as well as receive comprehensible instruction from all teachers in all content areas. )

EL Teacher Qualifications & Responsibilities

Vermont school districts who have English  learners in their population, are required  by law to employ an EL teacher who holds a valid Vermont teachers license, which includes at the minimum an English as a Second Language endorsement.  It is the EL teachers job to:

• Plan and deliver lessons in a variety of settings 

• Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists and administrators

• Provide support and guidance to EL students, faculty and parents

• Administer formative and summative assessments, and monitor student progress

• Assist classroom teachers in differentiating instruction for different language proficiency levels

• Ensure students have appropriate accommodations for assessments and for instruction

• Ensure students are graded in accordance to their English proficiency level capabilities. (WIDA CAN DO Descriptors) 

Note: Other staff in the district (e.g. literacy & math interventionists / and specialists, special educators, & SLPs, ,may provide direct EL support to EL students, as long as there is ongoing EL teacher consultation.

Any questions related to Mount Mansfield Unified School District EL Program can be directed to: The MMUUSD EL Coordinator - Jenn Cote jenn.cote@mmuusd.org , EL Teacher - Karin Vogel  karin.vogel@mmuusd.org, individual school principals, or Superintendent - John Alberghini  john.alberghini@mmuusd.org. MMUUSD Central Office:  Phone 802-434-2128

 In addition, questions related to the rights of EL learners and their families, can be answered by Title III and EL Programs Director /Vermont Agency of Education - Stephanie Vogel Stephanie.Vogel@vermont.gov (802) 828-1533   

English Learners - Vermont Agency of Education Web Link:

https://education.vermont.gov/student-support/federal-programs/english-learners