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  • General

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  • English Language Acquisition

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    Multilingual Learner (ML) Resources

    Welcome to the East Central BOCES Multilingual Learner (ML) homepage!

    East Central BOCES supports member districts in meeting the educational needs of multilingual learners. This page provides current guidance, forms, resources, and information related to the identification, assessment, instruction, monitoring, and redesignation of multilingual learners.

    Title III

    Title III, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), provides supplemental funding to support English language development and academic achievement for English learners.

    Through the East Central BOCES Title III Consortium, participating member districts have access to professional learning, consultation, current guidance, instructional resources, and other supplemental supports for multilingual learners.

    Title III funds are supplemental and do not replace a district's responsibility to identify multilingual learners and provide an appropriate Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP).

    Colorado English Language Proficiency Act (ELPA)

    Colorado's English Language Proficiency Act (ELPA) provides state funding to support evidence-based English Language Development (ELD) programs for identified multilingual learners. ELPA funding may also be used to support the identification and assessment of multilingual learners.

    ELPA funds are distributed to eligible districts based on state requirements and are separate from the East Central BOCES Title III Consortium.

    Districts are responsible for following Colorado's standardized procedures for identifying, assessing, serving, annually assessing, monitoring, and redesignating multilingual learners.

    Please use the resources and links on this page for current forms, guidance, and information related to supporting multilingual learners.

  • Implementation

    East Central BOCES supports member districts in implementing effective and compliant programs for multilingual learners by:

    1. Providing guidance, procedures, forms, and resources to assist districts in meeting state and federal requirements related to multilingual learners.
    2. Providing professional learning and technical assistance to district administrators, teachers, and staff who support multilingual learners.
    3. Supporting districts with identification and assessment requirements, including access to current state guidance, assessment resources, training, and assistance with WIDA and ACCESS processes.
    4. Developing and maintaining practical resources and guidance to support Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs), English Language Development (ELD), instructional planning, progress monitoring, and multilingual learner success.

  • Site Overview of Responsibilities

    1. Provide guidance and support to member districts in using the Home Language Survey (HLS) and following required procedures for identifying multilingual learners.
    2. Assist member districts with understanding and maintaining required state and federal documentation related to multilingual learner identification, services, assessment, monitoring, and redesignation.
    3. Provide training and technical assistance related to WIDA screening and ACCESS assessment, including interpreting language proficiency data and using results to guide English Language Development (ELD) services and instructional supports.
    4. Collaborate with superintendents, principals, ML coordinators, teachers, and other staff to provide consultation and support based on district and student needs.
    5. Assist districts in reviewing ML programs and instructional practices and provide professional development, resources, and guidance to strengthen ELD instruction and appropriate language supports.
    6. Support the RtI and special education referral process for multilingual learners by reviewing the student's Linguistic Profile including language development history, language proficiency data, ELD services, instructional supports, and other evidence to help teams determine whether language acquisition may be contributing to academic concerns or whether concerns persist beyond language development and further evaluation may be appropriate.

  • Professional Development

    1. WIDA Assessment Support – Assist district staff with accessing WIDA systems, locating required WIDA training and certification resources, and understanding assessment requirements and available resources.
    2. English Learner Professional Development – Provide and connect educators with professional learning opportunities related to multilingual learners, including opportunities that may support Colorado's 45-hour English Learner Professional Development requirement for applicable licensed educators.
    3. Instructional Support – Provide ongoing professional development, consultation, modeling, and resources to strengthen English Language Development (ELD), classroom language supports, and effective instruction for multilingual learners.
    4. RtI and Special Education Support – Provide consultation during the RtI process to review language acquisition, ELD services, language supports, and student data to help teams determine whether language may be a barrier or whether further evaluation may be appropriate.