What is MLP?

 
Common acronyms:
  • MLP – Multilingual Learner Program
  • ML – Multilingual Learner
  • ELL – English Language Learner
  • ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
 
Anderson School District Five’s Multilingual Learner Program (MLP) is designed to provide equal educational opportunities to students who have a primary or home language other than English and who are considered to be Multilingual Learners (MLs). The primary focus of the program is to provide an English-rich learning environment so those students will become proficient in English as soon as possible. The program addresses listening, speaking, reading, writing, content vocabulary, cultural awareness, and study skills through clearly articulated objectives. Instruction is delivered by MLP teachers who are experts in second language acquisition and content knowledge.
 
ML students face unique challenges in the classroom as they strive to learn academic content while their English language skills are still developing. The MLP program, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school, provides each ML student the opportunity to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in order to be successfully mainstreamed into all classes.
 
MLP Learning Objectives:
  • Identify and assess all students whose native or home language is anything other than English.
  • Provide instructional accommodations to all students in grades K – 12 who are Multilingual Learners.
  • Create a learning environment that will provide an opportunity for multilingual students to be successful in all academic areas and to function comparably with their English-speaking classmates with appropriate assistance.
  • Support the curriculum and instruction of the regular classroom as appropriate to the developmental stage of the student as well as the English proficiency level.
  • Assess and monitor the academic progress of MLP students with an ongoing evaluation process.
  • Provide staff development in appropriate instructional and assessment strategies and language and cultural needs for principals, guidance counselors, teachers and other school personnel.
  • Communicate instructional goals and expectations to parents and encourage them to support their children’s progress.