SLIFE Toolkit

Resources for identifying and supporting Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)

About the Toolkit

This Toolkit is a collaborative repository for tools, ideas, practices, and resources related to supporting students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). It represents a collective effort, curated and organized by the Massachusetts SLIFE Community of Practice and its members - a diverse group of educators from nearly 50 districts from across the Commonwealth, facilitated by the American Institutes for Research, with support through the Region 1 Comprehensive Center.

Designed as a resource for classroom teachers, English learner (EL) specialists, paraprofessionals, school and district leaders, and other educators who work closely with SLIFE and their families, this Toolkit is a dynamic, living resource. It evolves through ongoing contributions from the field. We encourage frequent visits to discover the latest ideas and resources shared by your peers.

The Toolkit complements and amplifies the 2024 Massachusetts Guidance for SLIFE Identification, Services, and Support, which outlines a 4-step process for identifying and supporting SLIFE. By bridging theory and practice, this Toolkit supports educators to implement the guidance in their unique contexts.

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How to use this website

Educators are encouraged to use this Toolkit as they work to support SLIFE in their districts. Resources are located the sections below, which align with the sections of the 4-step process for identifying and supporting SLIFE:

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About SLIFE

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Step 1: Pre-Screener

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Step 2: Interview

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Step 3: Academic Screening

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Step 4: Services & Supports

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Other Resources

Within each section, you will find research-based information and tools that have been developed by a variety of experts and/or practitioners. These resources are intended to support educators, students, families, and community partners, and we hope you find something useful that you can utilize or adapt to fit your context.

You can move through the Toolkit by clicking on the buttons at the top of each page or using the navigation bar to the left. Use the search bar to look for specific items, or skim the Resource Index to see a complete listing of all resources. We invite you to share additional tools and resources by submitting them using the form below.

Submit a Tool or Resource

Do you have a tool or resource that you would like to contribute to the Toolkit? It could be a resource you have developed or one that you have learned about and used in your practice. Click on the button below to submit a tool for review.

Submit a Tool or Resource

The resources shared in this Toolkit have been compiled through the collaboration of multiple partners for information and convenience of districts. Reference in this Toolkit to any third-party links, specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation. The developers of this Toolkit are not responsible for and do not in any way guarantee the accuracy of information on other sites accessible through links herein. This list may be supplemented with other links, services and resources that meet the specified criteria..

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