Multilingual Services

Vision

All multilingual students thrive academically and personally, belong to learning environments where they are affirmed in their language, identity and culture and develop English language proficiency in a manner which values and leverages their home language(s).

Programs and Networks

The EL Consortium is a regional network of Multilingual Directors, Specialists, and teacher leaders. We meet six times a year to collaborate around best practices, share resources and develop as leaders in supporting students who are multilingual/ELs.

Multilingual Learners Network is a network of school teams working together over the 2021-2022 academic school year to learn and test new approaches to support multilingual learners using continuous improvement methods. After this pilot year, we aim to expand to support additional schools in our region. Accepting applications now, click here to apply. For more information click Multilingual Learners Network tab.

The Additive Language Work Group is a working group of educators and community partners focused around the connection between language and racial equity. The group is currently drafting recommendations for OSPI and districts around asset based language in describing multilingual students. 

Exploring Culturally Responsive Teaching Professional Development Series is a series of synchronous and asynchronous courses designed to support elementary and secondary teachers, as well as instructional coaches/specialists in providing culturally and linguistically responsive instruction. These courses will be offered again in January 2021.

Services

• Plan and lead professional development based on

  • The WIDA English Language Development Standards and writing language objectives 

  • The new WIDA assessment

  • Integrated and designated English language development 

  • SIOP and GLAD strategies

  • Differentiating formative assessments for multilingual learners

• Support schools and districts with program design and systems level planning

• Facilitate regional partnerships with districts who are pursuing similar priorities

• Developing sustainable family and community partnerships 

The Multilingual Learners Network is now accepting applications for our 2021-2022 school cohort. The MLL Network was developed to support regional shifts in mindsets, culture, and practices to foster school environments which value the identity, culture and language of multilingual students and lead to more equitable conditions and outcomes for multilingual learners.

What is it? 

The MLL Network, hosted by PSESD and SHIFT Consulting, will consist of 8-10 school based teams who work together to learn and test new approaches to support multilingual learners using continuous improvement methods. 

Why is it important?

As we transition back to in-person learning, a whole-child, asset-oriented approach will be critical for all students, and in particular multilingual learners. The MLL Network is designed for teams to learn through Learning Sessions, monthly webinars and coaching over the course of a 9-month period. 

When will the MLL Network meet?

Four sets of Learning Sessions will take place between June 2021 and June 2022.

How can I sign up

2021-2022 Application is currently closed.

Learn more

Please contact Elisabeth Smith if you have any questions. 

Read more about the MLL Network in the OSPI Office of School and System Support March Newsletter.

What's the difference between Translation & Interpretation? 

Translation Services: When a written document needs to be translated into a different language to be accessible to speakers of other languages. For example, a translator could be used to translate information sent home from school from English to other languages. There are increasing options for automatic electronic translations, but care should always be taken to ensure that these translations are accurate.

Interpretation Services: When a live interpreter is needed to convert spoken words from one language to another in real-time. For example, an interpreter could be used during a phone call, or during a training or community meeting.

Resources for Translation/Interpretation

Below is a list of agencies PSESD has used/been referred to, along with other resources for Translation & Interpretation.*

List of Translating and Interpreting Services

Multilingual Services aims to create a network of in house resources for translation and interpretation.  For more information about Translation and Interpretation, please contact Angelica Alvarez at aalvarez@psesd.org.

*PSESD cannot recommend or endorse, if you need further assistance, please contact us.

Regional Assets

In our region, over 200 languages are spoken! You can explore information about multilingual learners indifferent school districts below.