Multilingual Learners (ML)

The ​Sheboygan Area School District’s ​Multilingual Learner (​ML) Program supports students at our early childhood, elementary, middle, and high schools​.

The ML Department is dedicated to helping Multilingual Learners (MLs) gain proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking to effectively communicate and engage across academic and social settings. The mission is to provide high-quality instruction that supports English language development, strong academic achievement, and success in meeting state standards.

Key Goals:

• Develop oral and written English communication skills 
• Achieve reading literacy aligned with individual ability
• Use listening skills to understand and synthesize information 
• Apply language skills across all academic areas 
• Gain understanding of and confidence in American culture 
• Preserve and grow native language literacy and cultural identity

Instructional Approach

Content-based instruction focuses on developing English skills through academic subjects. Supports target listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on academic literacy. Across all grade levels, the program uses a variety of instructional strategies to support English language development. Students may receive:

• Small group instruction with their ​ML teacher, either within the classroom or through pull-out services
• Instruction through co-taught academic classes where the classroom teacher and multilingual learner (ML) teacher work together to plan, teach, and assess. This provides consistent language and academic support while increasing opportunities for student engagement and participation.
• At the middle and high school levels, instruction in core subjects—such as science, social studies, and math—within sheltered classrooms. These classes adapt traditional teaching methods to better support Multilingual learners.
• Optional Dual Language Programming that brings bilingual and monolingual students together to learn both English and Spanish

Bilingual Support

Bilingual staff play a key role in the program by offering native language support to enhance students’ academic progress while they learn English. The District employs approximately 50 teachers and about 30 bilingual educational assistants to serve students in grades K–12.

Today, approximately 1,850 multilingual students participate in the program, representing about 36 different languages. The largest language groups are Spanish and Hmong.

Program Participation and Assessment

Participation in the ML program is voluntary and requires parent or guardian consent. Students are assessed annually to measure their progress in English. Exit from the program is based on performance on language proficiency assessments and overall classroom achievement.

Program Funding

Partial funding for the ML Education Program comes from federal and state sources. The District also receives Title III funds from the federal government to supplement services for English learners.