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Johnston Public Schools

Multilingual Learners Home

The Office of Multilingual Learners

Johnston Public Schools is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed. We recognize that multilingual learners bring valuable linguistic, cultural, and experiential assets that enrich our schools and strengthen our community.

In alignment with the Rhode Island Department of Education's Multilingual Learner Regulations and the Rhode Island Blueprint for Multilingual Learner Success, Johnston Public Schools is dedicated to ensuring that multilingual learners have meaningful access to rigorous, grade-level instruction, high-quality educational opportunities, and the supports necessary to achieve their full potential.

 

  • Office of MLL

    About Our MLL Program

    The Johnston Public Schools Multilingual Learner (MLL) Program supports students as they develop English language skills while continuing to grow academically in all areas. We believe that students’ languages, cultures, and experiences are strengths that enrich our schools and community.

    Our MLL teachers work with students to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Students receive language support based on their individual needs and English language proficiency level.

    We also work closely with classroom teachers, families, and school staff to make sure MLL students have access to the same learning opportunities as their peers and are supported in reaching their academic goals.

    Our Program Focuses On:

    • Building English language proficiency
    • Supporting academic success across all subject areas
    • Developing academic vocabulary and communication skills
    • Monitoring student growth and progress
    • Partnering with families
    • Celebrating students' home languages and cultures
    • Helping students become confident, successful multilingual learners

     

    We are proud of the many languages and cultures represented in Johnston Public Schools and look forward to partnering with our families throughout the school year.

  • National Geographic

    This year, MLL students who scored below 4.0 on the ACCESS for ELLs assessment will use National Geographic Learning curriculum materials to strengthen their English language development. These resources will provide students with engaging opportunities to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while developing academic vocabulary and language needed for success across all subject areas.

    Our goal is to support each student’s continued growth in English and provide them with the language skills they need to be successful in school.
     

    Reach for the Stars

    Kindergarten: Reach for the Stars

     

    Reach Higher 

    Grade 1: Reach Higher

     

    Trailblazers

    Grades 2-3: Trailblazer

     

    Time Zones 4-5     

    Grades 4-5: Time Zones

     

    Impact Middle School

    Grades 6-8: Impact

     

    Lift High School

    Grades 9-12: Lift

  • ACCESS for ELLs Assessment

    ACCESS for ELLs is an annual English language proficiency assessment administered to students identified as Multilingual Learners (MLLs) in grades K–12. The assessment is developed by WIDA and is required by federal and state regulations.

    The purpose of ACCESS for ELLs is to measure students' progress in learning academic English and to determine the level of language support they need to be successful in school. The assessment evaluates students' skills in four language domains:

    • Listening
    • Speaking
    • Reading
    • Writing

    Why is ACCESS Important?

    ACCESS for ELLs helps educators:

    • Monitor students' progress in developing English proficiency.
    • Inform instructional planning and language support services.
    • Identify students who may be eligible to exit multilingual learner services.
    • Meet state and federal accountability requirements.

    Who Takes ACCESS?

    All students who have been identified as multilingual learners are required to participate in ACCESS for ELLs each year until they meet the state's criteria for exiting MLL services.

    When is ACCESS Administered?

    The ACCESS testing window typically occurs from the first week in January to the end of February. Families will receive information from their child's school regarding specific testing dates and schedules.

    Understanding Your Child's Scores

    After testing is completed, families receive an Individual Student Report that provides information about their child's English language proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing, as well as an Overall Composite Score.

     

  • Family and Student Bill of Rights

    Below are links to the Family and Student Bill of Rights flyer.

    Know your Rights

     

  • What is the Multilingual Learner Advisory Committee?

    The purpose of the Multilingual Learner Advisory Committee is to provide a collaborative space for families, educators, and community members to share ideas, perspectives, and feedback to help strengthen the educational experience and support the success of our Multilingual Learners.

    Together, we will discuss ways to:

    • Support the academic, linguistic, and social-emotional growth of Multilingual Learners

    • Strengthen communication and partnerships with families

    • Identify opportunities to better support our multilingual families and students

    • Share ideas and feedback to help inform the work of the Multilingual Learner Department

     

    Who is Invited? 

    Families, staff, and community members are invited to join the Multilingual Learner Advisory Committee meeting.

     

    When are the Meetings?

    Meetings will be held on the following dates in the JES Cafeteria from 5:30-6:30.

    • October 7th, 2026

    • November 4th, 2026

    • December 2nd, 2026

    • January 6th, 2027

    • February 3rd, 2027

    • March 3rd, 2027

    • April 7th, 2027

    • May 5th, 2027

    • June 2nd, 2027

  • MLL CONTACTS