Multilingual Learners
Westbrook Public School's Multilingual Learner
The Westbrook Public Schools values bilingualism, biliteracy, and multiculturalism. The district believes in the cognitive, academic, and social benefits of bilingualism and promotes language learning opportunities in grades K-12. Our opportunities include:
- Spanish as a Foreign Language Instruction at the elementary level in Grades PreK-4
- Spanish and French World Language Instruction at middle and high school, Grades 5-12
- Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESOL) Instruction in Grades K-12
- Culminating opportunity to demonstrate bilingual proficiency in Grade 11 or 12: Any/all students may take language proficiency tests to demonstrate their proficiency in a language other than English and earn the Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal is placed on the student's diploma and noted in their high school transcript.
There is wide variation in the experiences and skills of children who are learning a second language. The degree to which children's use of their first language is supported at home and in other environments has a great impact on their language development, as does the age at which they begin to learn a second language and the students' academic/educational background. For example, preschool students, who have had limited or no exposure to English and/or an academic setting require time, exposure to the language, and numerous practice opportunities to learn and acquire English. English Learners who are new arrivals from various countries and who have had limited or interrupted formal education also require more time, compacted curriculum, comprehensible content instruction, and increased support.
The Westbrook Public Schools provides a variety or a continuum of English Leaner support services. Students who are at lower levels of English and/or academic proficiency receive more support, and students who are at higher levels of English and academic proficiency receive less support. The type and amount of EL support services changes, or is adjusted, as a student's proficiency levels and needs change and grow. As students approach the State English Learner Mastery Standards, support services are reduced. Changes in services are made after progress is monitored and discussed by teams of educators, and parents are informed of such changes.
English Language Proficiency Testing
Each year, all identified English Learners take an English Language Proficiency test to measure their progress and proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. These scores are important in helping educators and parents make decisions about the appropriate type and amount of services that students receive each year. Test results are shared with parents annually.
Daisy Ingraham School Contact Information, (860) 399-7925
Ruth Rose, Principal
Heather Scholfield, TESOL Educator
HScholfield@westbrookctschools.org
Westbrook Middle School and High School Staff Contact
Middle School (860) 399-2010
High School (860) 399-6214
Matt Talmadge, Principal at Westbrook Middle School
MTalmadge@westbrookctschools.org
Nicole Troncale, TESEL Educator at Westbrook Middle and High School
NTroncale@westbrookctschools.org
Tara Winch, Principal at Westbrook High School
Stephanie Parsons, TESOL Educator at Westbrook High School
SParsons@westbrookctschools.org
Director of Special Education and Student Support Services
Fran Lagace
FLagace@westbrookctschools.org
**Special thank you to Beth Brunet, LEARN Regional Educational Service Center located at 44 Hatchetts Rd in Old Lyme CT 06371, for helping create this information**
Daisy Ingraham Elementary School Multilingual Learner
Bilingual Daisy Ingraham Elementary School.pdf
If you are in need of addition information or have questions regarding services, please reach out to Heather Scholfield, Bilingual Educator, at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School.
Bilingual Educator and TESOL Teacher:
Heather Scholfield , hscholfield@westbrookctschools.org
Bilingual Tutor:
Jennifer Fineza , jfineza@westbrookctschools.org
Westbrook Middle School Multilingual Learner
Bilingual Westbrook Middle School.pdf
If you are in need of addition information or have questions regarding services, please reach out to Nicole Troncale , TESOL Teacher, at Westbrook Middle School.
TESOL Teacher:
Nicole Troncale , ntroncale@westbrookctschools.org
Westbrook High School Multilingual Leaner
Bilingual Westbrook High School.pdf
If you are in need of addition information or have questions regarding services, please reach out to Stephanie Parsons, TESOL Teacher, at Westbrook High School.
TESOL Teacher:
Stephanie Parsons , sparsons@westbrookctschools.org
LAS Links
The Connecticut State Board of Education (CSBE) believes that high-quality, comprehensive and effective English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education programs are essential to acquire English language proficiency and academic proficiency for students who are English Learners (ELs). The Board believes that research-based instructional practices that support ELs in general education classrooms are essential while they are acquiring English and well after they have exited the intensive programs.
State of Connecticut English Language Proficiency Standards (CELP)
The standards highlight and amplify the critical language, knowledge about language, and skills for using language that are necessary for ELs to be successful in school.
Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy
Overview:
The Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy was established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a level of proficiency in English and one or more languages.
Purpose:
Attached on the high school diploma and transcript, the Seal of Biliteracy provides immediate recognition of a critical language and communication skill. This award is given by a school district in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and one or more other languages by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes the value of students’ academic efforts, the tangible benefits of being bilingual and biliterate and prepares students to be global citizens in a multicultural, multilingual world. The Seal of Biliteracy acknowledges that mastery of two or more languages is a valuable asset for both individuals and their communities. Also, the Seal of Biliteracy provides recognition to English learners (ELs) for the great value of developing English and maintaining their primary language.
The Seal of Biliteracy initiative:
- encourages students to study languages;
- certifies attainment of biliteracy skills;
- recognizes the value of language diversity;
- provides employers with a method of identifying Connecticut high school graduates with biliteracy skills;
- assists universities in recognizing applicants with language skills;
- equips students with the 21st-century skills that will allow them to succeed in college and careers in a global society;
- strengthens relationships and honors the multiple cultures and languages represented in Connecticut communities;
- encourages students to develop communicative proficiency in multiple languages;
- values the knowledge and skills of both English speakers learning world languages and English learners studying English or other world languages; and
- recognizes and rewards students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge.
Who Qualifies for the Seal of Biliteracy:
All students are eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy based on evidence of achieving the designated level of language proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. Students must demonstrate the state-determined level of proficiency in English, as well as one or more additional languages in grade 10, 11, or 12.
The District provides other forms of recognition prior to high school graduation to students who are in grades 10 and 11.
