ML Program Overview - Northbrook-Glenview School District

Multilingual Learners (ML) Program Overview

Students can qualify for ML services if they have another language spoken in the home. They may also qualify if their scores on ML proficiency tests are below their grade level peers in social and academic languages. Also, students whose standardized test scores are below the average of their peers or who show a need for support based on classroom performance and teacher observation may qualify for services.

Click the tabs below to explore our FAQs:

When do students exit the ML program?

How is the ML program structured?

All instruction is done in English.
When possible, a child's primary language is used to clarify instruction.
English is taught through reading, language arts, math, science and social studies.
Learning English takes place in a non-threatening environment in which the students feel comfortable taking risks.
Lessons use language at a level that can be understood by the students while they gradually learn the necessary language skills to succeed academically and become lifetime learners.
Materials, tests and grades are modified as necessary to ensure that the child has a successful and positive learning experience.

How many hours of ML service do students receive?

Grades K-5

Level One - Entering: 1.5 to 3 hours a day.
(Listening / Reading and Spelling / Social Studies / Speaking / Vocab / Pronunciation / Writing / Grammar)

Levels 2 and 3 - Beginning and Developing: 1 to 1.5 hours a day
(Listening / Reading and Spelling / Social Studies / Speaking / Vocab / Pronunciation / Writing / Grammar)

Levels 4 and 5 - Expanding and Transitioning: 30 to 60 minutes a week
(Vocabulary Pronunciation / Writing / Grammar)

Grades 6-8

Level 1 - Entering: 5 periods/day

Language Resource (1 period)
EL Language Arts (2 periods)
EL Social Studies (1 period)
EL Science (1 period)

Level 2 - Beginning: 4 Periods/day

Language Resource (1 period)
EL Language Arts (2 periods)
EL Social Studies (1 period)

Level 3 - Developing: 3 periods/day

Language Resource (1 period)
EL Language Arts (2 periods)

Level 4 - Expanding: 1 period/day

Language Resource (1 period)

Level 5 - Transitioning: 0 periods/day

Monitor student's progress in mainstream classes

What tests do ML students take?

In addition to the district assessments taken by all students, ML students will also take the following:

WIDA ACCESS Screener: This is a test required by the state of Illinois to be given to all students entering a school who have another language spoken in the home to help determine if EL services are needed.
ACCESS Test (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State): This is an English language proficiency test given annually to measure language proficiency levels and a student's progress in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English.

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