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Multilingual Learner Guidance and Resources
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Multilingual Learner Guidance
Building a Linguistic Profile
Most educational assessment tools used by schools, districts, and states are designed for administration in a single language. Yet, Multilingual Learners (MLs) engage with multiple languages at varying proficiency levels across different contexts, with these proficiencies fluctuating over time. Teams should take an assets-based approach by gathering data to develop a Linguistic Profile, which can guide instructional decisions and ensure accurate assessments of MLs' abilities.
Biliteracy Guidance for Multilingual Learners
The purpose of this guide is to support the literacy and biliteracy instruction of Multilingual Learners (MLs) in bilingual education programs. It includes evidence-based practices that integrate all components of reading while addressing their specific application across languages. Key topics covered include oral language development, oracy, translanguaging, cross-linguistic connections, and holistic assessment. By understanding how to implement these practices, educators can better support students in achieving bilingualism and biliteracy.
READ Act Significant Reading Deficiency (SRD) Guidance for Multilingual Learners
Recognizing the unique opportunities and needs of English Learners to become proficient readers in English, the Colorado Department of Education has created guidance for implementing the READ Act with English Learners. This guidance is designed to provide parameters for districts to use when developing local policies and practices to support the literacy development of English Learners. This includes READ Act and English Learners guidance for assessing and determining a significant reading deficiency in grades K-3. Find READ Act requirements for assessing English Learners, considerations for selecting the language of assessment, determining a significant reading deficiency, and program considerations.
For questions about READ Act and English Learners Guidance for Assessment and Determination of a Significant Reading Deficiency in Grades K-3 contact johnson_b@cde.state.co.us
Documents and Resources
READ Plan Template for Multilingual Learners
If an English Learner is determined to have a significant reading deficiency (SRD), a READ plan must be developed. Given the unique opportunities and needs of English Learners, the department has created a sample READ plan specific to English Learners. The READ plan template for Multilingual Learners contains the required components of a READ plan, including components for an individual student English Language Development (ELD) Plan.
READ Plan Template for Multilingual Learners
- The READ plan template for English Learners is an example, not a required template.
- Plans must align with READ Act requirements; however, districts can determine the format of the plan.
- The sample intends to illustrate the areas of English language and literacy development a teacher should consider when planning instruction and/or intervention for English Learners.
Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners Professional Development Series
This brief professional learning series was created by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in collaboration with Dr. Claude Goldenberg. The series focuses on the literacy instruction for Multilingual Learners. If you choose to take the quiz at the end of the series, you will be eligible for one hour of professional development. The quiz includes five questions from the videos and WIDA reading.
Directions:
- Watch each video in order, beginning with Video 1 and ending with Video 4.
- Navigate to WIDA's website using the hyperlink above. Download and read the WIDA Guideposts document.
- Click on the End of Course Survey and Quiz button to take the quiz and answer feedback questions. An automated email will send a certificate of completion for all passing scores. Those who do not pass will receive an email and have an opportunity to retake the quiz.
Video 1: What's Similar and What's Different about Teaching English Learners to Read (11:22)
Video 3: Instructional Practices to Support English Learners (12:16)
Video 2: Supporting English Learners to Develop Literacy in English (08:56)
Video 4: Oral English Language Instruction to Support Literacy Skills (08:07)
WIDA Reading Guideposts Development Multilingual Learners
Download and read the WIDA Guideposts PDF from the WIDA website. This document focuses on five essential guideposts to support literacy instruction for Multilingual Learners.
After watching the four videos and reading the WIDA Guideposts, click on the button below to take the End of Course survey and Quiz.
Selecting Evidence-Based Instructional Programs for Multilingual Learners
These tools offer information and resources for selecting scientifically and evidence-based instructional materials for multilingual learners. It also provides guidance on instructional practices that effectively support MLs.
Multilingual Learner Family Interview Questions
These interview questions are meant to be used as a resource when educators need information related to a student’s cultural background, academic profile, prior experiences, etc., in addition to that of the Home Language Survey/Home Language Questionnaire results. These questions can also be helpful for educators knowledgeable about English Language Development/Acquisition and acculturation.
Colorado English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards
English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards are required by Colorado state and federal law. On December 10, 2009, the Colorado State Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the English Language Development (ELD) standards developed by WIDA as the Colorado English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards.
The CELP standards should be used, in conjunction with Colorado’s Academic Standards, to plan instruction that supports Multilingual Learners as they engage in academic content.
To learn more about language development and the CELP Standards, refer to, the CELP Standards Resource Library.
For Multilingual Learners receiving instruction in Spanish and English, WIDA has created Marco DALE (Marco de los estándares del desarrollo auténtico del lenguaje español de WIDA) to support bilingual instruction and education.
Additional Resources
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September 9, 2025
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