Purpose & Audience of the Guidance Document
This guidance is intended to help districts design and implement programs serving which group of students?
English Learners (ELs) / Multilingual Learners (MLs).
Who should districts consult when planning a new ELE program? Give one example (e.g., families, educators).
Examples: parents/families, educators, community organizations, current/former EL students, ELPAC
What three program types does Massachusetts recognize as “sound” under Prong 1 of Castañeda?
Sheltered English Immersion (SEI), Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE), Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)
In the SEI definition, what language is used for nearly all classroom instruction and materials?
English
What aspect of language are the following examples: Constitution, essay, microscope, symmetry
Word/Phrase Level
Name one federal law cited that requires schools to take steps to address language barriers for these students.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA); ESEA/ESSA
The guidance emphasizes shared responsibility for ELD. Which classroom teachers are expected to shelter instruction when ELs are present?
Core academic teachers (content teachers) who have ELs in their classes (SEI- or Bilingual-endorsed)
What are the three prongs of the Castañeda test in one phrase each (three short phrases)?
(1) Sound educational theory; (2) Effective implementation; (3) Demonstrated results (students overcome language barriers)
According to SEI rules, may subject matter be taught in a language other than English?
No — subject matter shall not be taught in any language other than English (except minimal native-language use when necessary)
What aspect of language are the following examples: punctuation, cause and effect, topic sentence
Sentence Level
The document shifts toward an asset-based term for students exposed to more than one language. What is that term?
Multilingual Learners (MLs)
Name two types of staff or roles districts must ensure are available when implementing ELE programs (choose any two).
Examples: licensed ESL teachers, SEI-endorsed content teachers, bilingual teachers, interpreters/translators, program coordinators
What annual summative assessment measures ELs’ proficiency in four domains and is administered in January–February?
WIDA ACCESS for ELLs
SEI teachers may use a minimal amount of the student's native language. Give one reason the definition allows this.
To clarify meaning when necessary to support comprehension and participation
What aspect of language are the following examples: lab reports, development of theme, ellipsis, word problems
Discourse Level
According to the introduction, what two outcomes should ELE programs support so ELs can meet expectations? (Answer requires two elements.)
(1) Develop English proficiency; (2) meet academic standards / participate meaningfully in the general education program
For families with limited English, what two services must districts provide to enable meaningful participation? (two items)
Translation of written materials and interpretation for meetings (oral interpretation)
Define SLIFE in one sentence (students with what characteristic)?
Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education — students who have experienced gaps or limited formal schooling compared to peers
For core academic teachers providing sheltered instruction, what endorsement must they hold or obtain?
SEI Endorsement (or Bilingual Education Endorsement where applicable) for supervising principals/teachers as required
Activities above the horizontal continuum (quadrants A and C) fall into the category of BICS. What does BICS stand for?
Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills
The LOOK Act (Chapter 138 of the Acts of 2017) changed district flexibility. Describe in one sentence the balance the Act aims to create for ELE programs.
The LOOK Act gives districts more flexibility in program design while maintaining accountability for timely and effective English language acquisition.
Describe the purpose of an English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) in one clear sentence.
ELPAC advises districts on ELE matters, provides parent input on programs, and helps ensure family voice in program decisions
List two required components a district proposal must include to start a new ELE program (two items).
Research-based educational approach for the EL population; plan to monitor implementation and outcomes within two years (also documentation of consultation and superintendent/principal affirmations)
Explain in two sentences how SEI differs from Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) in instructional language and goals.
SEI uses English as the primary language of instruction, focusing on sheltered instruction and teaching reading/writing in English only; DLBE provides instruction in two languages to develop bilingualism/biliteracy for both ELs and native English speakers.
Activities below the horizontal continuium (quadrants B and D) are more abstranct and cognitively demanding. These fall under the category of CALP. What does CALP stand for?
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency