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Multilingual Learner (ML)

The Office of Teaching and Learning offers high quality instruction and support for our Multi Lingual Learners (ML) through English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. Services are provided at each school based on the student’s language ability levels as measured by the Language Assessment Scale (LAS) Our services are provided with based on the mission and values of the ESL Department and are consistent with state and federal law. ESL services are coordinated by Trumbull Public Schools Department Chairperson for Multi Lingual Learners, K-12, Lisa Carino under the direction of our Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Iwanicki.  For questions, please contact Mrs. Carino by email lcarino@trumbullps.org or call 203-452-5510 to speak with her directly. 

Multilingual Learner (ML) parent Bill of Rights

Pursuant to P.A.23-150 Section 17, the State Board of Education shall draft a written bill of rights for parents or guardians of students who are multilingual learners to guarantee that the rights of such parents and students are adequately safeguarded and protected in the provision of bilingual education under chapter 164 of the general statutes, and the sharing of this bill of rights in the dominant language of the parents or guardians. Click here to read our latest newsletter and for links to the Parent Bill of Rights in different languages. 

English as a Second Language (ESL/ML) Department 

 Our Vision 

At Trumbull Public schools, we foster a culturally responsive environment that values linguistic and cultural diversity and we recognize that our community is enriched by the linguistic and cultural diversity of our students and families.

Through an environment that cultivates a joy of learning, we enable students to develop personal agency so that they may achieve personal success and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

We recognize ELs’ individual strengths and experiences, the importance of their contributions to the community at large, and their right to access all of the opportunities available in our schools.

The TPS community partners with families to support the EL population. Families and students are actively engaged and involved in the academic process. Together, we set high expectations for the students’ academic achievement. 

Our Values 

Trumbull Public Schools are places where Multi Lingual Learner (MLL) students:

  • Feel that they are valued and respected as integral members of the school community.

  • Are given the tools, resources, and support needed for their individual social emotional, linguistic and academic growth, and ability to access the TPS curriculum.

  • Discuss, read, and write about relevant content that incorporates and celebrates their individual cultural identities. 

  • Are given the linguistic and content-specific skills needed to apply to new learning and growth. 

  • Can see themselves reflected in staff, classroom, and curriculum.

  • Have respect for self & others regardless of differences (ethnic, religion, gender, age, developmental)

  • Engage in culturally diverse curriculum that varies in genre, content, and perspective

  • Understand the value of becoming proficient in English

  • Collaborate with peers

  • Are motivated to learn

  • Are academically engaged

  • Value their home cultures and know that they are also valued by the TPS community

 Trumbull Public Schools are places where ESL educators:

  • Implement a coherent set of evidence-based instructional practices through a culturally responsive perspective and evidence-based practices in small-group and individual contexts in both push-in and pull-out settings

  • Collaborate with colleagues to ensure equal access to curriculum and maintain high expectations.

  • Exemplify desired behaviors & actions through acceptance of ALL children

  • Administer authentic and standardized assessments to monitor language proficiency in order to drive instruction

  • Maintain data and records of student work and assessment data

  • Organize & execute appropriate language objectives in conjunction with content objectives according to students’ proficiency levels (make them reasonable & attainable by student)

  • Act as members of a community with a common vision, common goals, common language, and a strong belief that their work can transform children’s lives through literacy and language acquisition.

  • Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their own professional learning and to support the learning of their colleagues and team members.

  • Advocate for MLLs and their families through:

    • Participation in school planning meetings for student instruction and programming 

    • Providing & creating culturally responsive instruction in a welcoming and accepting environment

    • Treating students with empathy and respect

    • Fostering a dynamic learning community

    • Valuing linguistic and cultural diversity

    • Understanding and respecting cultural differences

    • Guiding the students in developing their personal balance (how they want to align themselves with our culture)

    • Encouraging MLLs to try new experiences - building awareness 

    • Serving as ambassador to improve communication home for parents and families 

    • Engaging parents and families in their children’s education