Multilingual Learner

The Multilingual Learner (ML) program is funded by federal, state, and local funds. The program provides structured language acquisition instruction to students whose native language is not English and qualified Native American students. Students are assessed on the WIDA ACCESS Assessment, which measures speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students whose scores indicate they are in need of assistance receive support.

ML services are available at all elementary schools, all middle schools, and all high schools except Sequoia High School.

ML Facilitators and Coaches per school

Elementary ML Program

Multilingual learner support is available in all 18 Everett elementary schools. Each school has a designated ML Designee, a certified Multilingual Learner or ELA Coach, who oversees the program. District Multilingual Learner Facilitators collaborate with teachers to implement instructional strategies using the Project GLAD model. ML Para-educators also pre-teach academic vocabulary in small groups.

Newly arrived students with lower English proficiency receive support through a specialized curriculum, and all multilingual learners have access to the adaptive program:

Imagine Language & Literacy, which helps develop English skills in listening, reading, speaking, and vocabulary.
Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program/ Programa De Inmersión Dual En Español - Dual Language is an educational model that integrates native English speakers and native Spanish speakers for the instructional day. Academic subjects are taught to all students in English and Spanish. To learn more, visit the Dual Language Program webpage.

Middle School ML Program

Multilingual Learner students in middle school receive direct language support in ML classes that focus on building a student's academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. These classes are taught by certificated ML teachers. Beginner and Advanced Beginner students are typically in ML classes for two or three periods a day, while Intermediate students are in ML classes one period a day.

The rest of the day students are integrated into the regular math, science, social studies, and elective classes. Their progress in those classes is monitored by the ML teacher, and the math, science, social studies and elective class teachers receive support in working with ML students from the ML teachers.

High School ML Program

Multilingual Learner students in high school receive direct language support in ML classes that focus on building a student's academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. These classes are taught by certificated ML teachers. Beginner and Advanced Beginner students are typically in ML classes for two periods a day, while Intermediate students are in ML classes one period a day.

CONTACT INFORMATION

M L Program

425-385-4030

3900 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201

Qualification Process

In Washington state, the following process is used to determine the eligibility of students for the Multilingual Learner Program:

A Home Language Survey is completed during enrollment.

If there is an indication of a language other than English spoken by the student and/ or family, the student information is shared with the school's ML Designee for review.
If a language other than English is spoken in the home, but not by the student the school's ML Designee may contact the family to confirm the student's language.
If the form indicates that the student speaks a language other than English in the home and/ or if the child first learned a language other than English, the ML designee initiates the process for determination of the student's English language proficiency level by administering the WIDA Screener.

OSPI has established eligibility criteria for English language development services. A workgroup was established to develop recommended criteria for each grade level. The recommendations of the workgroup, along with statements of concern or support from stakeholders, were included in the decision-making.

The table below are the approved thresholds by grade band. Students will need to meet both a minimum overall level and a minimum level in each domain to be ineligible for ML services.

Grade Levels and Qualification Thresholds

Grade Level	Minimum Overall Level	Minimum Domain Level
K	4.5	4
1	4.5	4
2-3	5	4
4-5	5	4
6-8	5	4
9-12	5	4

ML Family Support Resources

Reading tips for families

Colorin Colorado is a website that offers tips for parents to help them support their child's reading development from preschool through 3rd grade. These tips are available in 13 different languages.

Tips in Spanish:

View the reading tips for parents in 13 different languages.

Imagine Language & Literacy

Imagine Language & Literacy is an adaptive computer program that supports Multilingual Learners with developing proficiency in English.

It provides a rich environment to support basic and academic vocabulary development taught in multiple contexts.
It is aligned with Common Core State Standards.
It provides support in students' native language that is reduced as English proficiency develops.

The program begins with a placement test that determines individual student areas of need, strengths, and instructional sequence. Students progress through a sequence of listening, reading, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar activities that accelerate English language development. The program monitors student progress and adapts to individual student needs. Students are provided additional instruction or acceleration based on this progress.

If your child is enrolled in an elementary school and is in the Multilingual Learner program, they will have a license for the program.
If your child is enrolled in a middle or high school, at the beginning English proficiency level, and in the Multilingual Learner program, they will have a license.

The program can be accessed by:

Using the managed bookmark, Imagine Learning, in Google Chrome on a district device.
Accessing a link on the student tools page on school websites
Clicking this link:

Please use the links below for login directions:

Imagine Learning has overview videos of Imagine Language & Literacy available in English and Spanish.

If your child is having trouble with accessing Imagine Language & Literacy, you can contact the ML staff at your child's school.

You can also request support from Imagine Learning through their website, Imagine Learning at Home.

Multilingual Learner Assessments

When a student first enrolls in Everett Public Schools, parents complete a Home Language Survey. This survey asks what language is spoken in the home, and what is the child's first language. If the answer to either question is a language other than English, the student takes the WIDA Screener. This brief assessment determines a student's skill level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English. Students whose scores indicate they are in need of assistance receive support.

Multilingual learners are re-assessed annually using the WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS each spring. Their scores on this assessment determine whether they continue to qualify for support through the ML program for the following year. Students continue to qualify for ML support based on the levels determined by the state.

Once a student scores at a level of proficiency determined by the state, the student is exited from the ML program. However, student progress is monitored for two additional years, and support is provided if the student has difficulty in classes.

OSPI English Language Proficiency Assessments WIDA Consortium

Professional Development

Our Multilingual Learner Department offers ongoing professional development to equip educators with effective strategies for supporting English language learners. These sessions focus on culturally responsive teaching, language acquisition strategies, and best practices to ensure multilingual students thrive academically and socially.

Elementary Professional Development :

Everett Public Schools uses the Project GLAD, Guided Language Acquisition Design, instructional model to support Multilingual learners at the elementary level.

Training opportunities for the Project GLAD model are:

Research & Theory Overview Training
Classroom Demonstration
Customized Follow-up
Exploring GLAD Self-Paced Canvas Course

Secondary Professional Development :

Everett Public Schools uses the SIOP instructional model to support Multilingual learners at the secondary level.

Training opportunities for the SIOP model are:

Overview Training
Classroom Demonstration
Customized Follow-up
Exploring SIOP Self-Paced Canvas Course

WIDA Consortium Professional Learning OSPI WIDA Workshops