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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Parental Rights of Multilingual Learners
Who is an MLL?
An Multilingual Learner (MLL) is a student who is eligible to receive support at school with their English language development.
How was their eligibility determined?
A Home Language Survey is filled out upon registering into the Providence Public School District by a parent/guardian. According to the responses on the survey, their child is administered an English Language Screener. Students can earn between 1.0-6.0 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. If a student scores less than 5.0 in their overall composite score (for grades 1-12) or less than 5.0 in Oral Language (for Kindergarten) they are identified as an Multilingual Learner and qualify for MLL supports.
"How long will my student be considered an MLL?" or "When will they no longer be identified as an MLL?"
Every year, MLLs take an English proficiency assessment called . The assessment measures whether students are performing on grade-level in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing in English. When a student earns an overall composite score of 4.8 or higher, they are exited and no longer eligible for MLL supports.
For more information about the Rhode Island Department of Education's updated criteria policies, and procedures for Multilingual Learners,
Does my immigration status and the language that I speak affect my child's right to receive a free public education?
No. Your child has the right to receive a free public education regardless of your immigration status and the language that you speak.
Does my child's immigration status and the language that my child speaks affect their right to receiving a free public education?
No. Your child has the right to receive a free public education regardless of their immigration status and the language that they speak.
Will I be asked to provide information or paperwork which may reveal my or my child's immigration status, visa status, or citizenship status upon school enrollment?
No. You have the right to enroll your child in school without being asked to provide information or paperwork which may reveal your or your child's immigration status, visa staus. or citizenship status.
May I have a qualified interpreter/translator in my preferred language for critical interactions with the school?
Yes. You have the right to have a qualified interpreter/translator in your preferred language for critical interactions with the school.
Will I receive written notice if my child is identified as an Multilingual Learner and placed in a Bilingual or English as a Second Language Program?
Yes. You have the right to written notice in English and your preferred language that your child has been identified as Multilingual Learner and will be placed in a Bilingual or English as a Second Langugae Program.
Will I receive an information session explaining initial placement test results, program goals and requirements for Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language?
Yes. You have the right to a high quality orientation session, provided by a Language Proficiency Screener at the Student Registration Center that focuses on initial placement test results, program goals and requirements for Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language. This orientation must occur before final school program placement, and must be in your preferred language.
Will I receive information about my child's English language development, and, if enrolled in a Bilingual Education program, also about my child's home language development?
Yes. You have the right to receive information about your child's English language development, and if enrolled in a Bilingual Education program, also about your child's home language development anytime you feel inclined to receive an update.
Am I able to meet with school staff to discuss my child's overall learning and language development practice?
Yes. You have the right to meet with school staff to discuss your child(ren)'s overall learning and language development progress. This can happen at Report Card nights as well as individual scheduled meetings as a result of reaching out to your student's teacher.
How long after enrollment will my child be placed in a Bilingual Education or English as a Second Language Program?
Your child has the right to be placed in a Bilingual Education or English as a Second Language program within 10 days of enrollment.
What if I don't want to enroll my child into a Bilingual or English as a Second Language Program?
You have the right to waive out.
Does my child have equal access to all programming and services offered by the school if/when they are identified as an Multilingual Learner?
Yes. Your child has the right to have equal access to all programming and services offered by the school, includingm but not limited to Special Eduaction, appropriate to age and grade level including those required for graduation, and to all school programs available to other students. Being entitled to Multilingual services does not limit the ability to take part in any available program or service.
As a Multilingual Learner, will my child receive content instruction at the same academic level?
Yes. Your child has the right to receive all content instruction, and to learn English and other subjects such as Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies at the same academic level as all other children.
As a Multilingual Learner, will my child be able to access extracurricular activities (afterschool clubs, sports, etc.)?
Yes. Your child has the right to have full access to extracurricular activities (afterschool clubs, sports, etc.). Being identified as an Multilingual Learner does not limit their ability to take part in extracurricular activities.
As a Multilingual Learner, will my child get support services (i.e. academic intervention) aligned with any intervention plans that the school/district provides?
Yes. Your child has the right to get support services (i/e/ academic intervention) aligned with any intervention plans that the school/district provides to all students.
How often will my child be assessed to determine progress towards their English language development?
Your child will be tested yearly to determine progress towards their English language development. You have the right to obtain information about your child's English language development yearly.
Will my child be enrolled in a Bilingual or English as a Second Language Program on a year-to-year basis?
Yes. You have the right to have your child continuously enrolled year to year in a Bilingual or English as a Second Language program while they remain classified as an EL.
What should I do if any of the above rights are violated?
Please contact the Office of English Learners at 401-456-9100 ext 13140 or email the Executive Director of English Learners at Jennifer.Efflandt@ppsd.org if you feel that your rights or the rights of your Multilingual Learner have been violated.