Page 35 - Superintendent Report 2021-22

Options for dual-language programming expanded to 27 schools this past year. Five other
schools finished their dual-language programming planning year: Barton Elementary, Northmore
Elementary, Rolling Green Elementary, Conniston Middle School, and Lake Worth High School. Also,
Rolling Green Elementary completed its planning year for implementing the first Haitian Creole
dual-language program and is now the first program of its kind in the District.

World Language courses are offered in nine languages (American Sign Language, Chinese, French,
Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, and Spanish), with AP/AICE/IB options available
in French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Through these courses, students across the
District have the opportunity to develop multilingual skills and global competencies. Most recently,
over 1,400 students from the Class of 2021 and 2022 earned the Seal of Biliteracy recognition for
attaining proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.

Instructional Professional Development
The Department of Multicultural Education has provided targeted professional development in
English-language development standards and strategies to ensure content is understandable.
Teachers and administrators were trained on “Go-To Strategies” for ELLs through webinars, PLCs,
and large and small group face-to-face training sessions. The department also facilitates ESOL
Endorsement courses that prepare teachers to work with English Language Learners and meet
state certification requirements.

Language Support Services
In collaboration with other departments, the department of Multicultural Education provides
professional development to the District Community Language Facilitators. Topics include practical
ways to support students and families and standardization in translation and interpreting services.
The District’s translation team also ensures that all official documents are translated into English,
Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. All registration documents are available for families in
Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, and French.

Supporting Families and Community
The department facilitated four regional Family Engagement Nights in collaboration with other
departments. During these Family Engagement Nights, the content was provided in English, Spanish,
Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Q’anjob’al, and Mam.

The Welcome Center assisted families by facilitating student registrations, assisting refugee families,
and arranging vaccinations for incoming and existing students through bi-monthly visits from the
Immunization Van.

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