Multilingual Learners (MLL)

The Carmel Clay Schools Multilingual Learner (MLL) program is committed to educational excellence and continuous achievement for all learners.

The MLL program at Carmel Clay Schools serves over 1,200 students. We have more than 100 languages represented among our student body from over 80 countries across the globe.

The goal of the MLL program is to raise the English proficiency of all students to that of native English speakers at their respective grade levels. Once a student becomes fluent in both basic communication skills as well as academic language, the student is exited from the program.

Carmel Clay Schools provides certified teachers and dedicated MLL Intervention Teachers to deliver targeted MLL instruction and integrate support within general education classrooms for students in the program. The district also fosters collaboration through Multilingual Learner ToRs (Teachers of Record) who partner closely with other school faculty and staff to develop and implement effective instructional strategies that enable MLL students to achieve academic success, develop strong language skills, and feel empowered to thrive in their new environment.

Since 2015, Carmel Clay Schools' Multilingual Learner population has grown by 111%.

Students at Carmel Clay Schools speak more than 100 home languages.

For the 2023-2024 school year, Carmel Clay Schools has 1,267 Multilingual Learners.

Top 10 Languages

2023-2024 Top 10 Languages	Total Students	Percent of Student Body
Spanish - Ctl & So. America/Spain	627	3.8%
Mandarin (Sichuanese) - China	441	2.6%
Arabic - Middle East/Africa	245	1.5%
Telugu - India	227	1.4%
Korean - Korea	139	0.8%
Hindi - India/Burma	126	0.8%
Tamil - India/Burma/Africa	121	0.7%
Japanese - Japan	73	0.4%
Gujarati - India	63	0.4%
Punjabi - India/Pakistan	62	0.4%

MLL Identification & Eligibility

A Multilingual Learner (MLL) is a student who is eligible to receive support at school with English language development.

A Home Language Survey is filled out the first time a parent/guardian registers their student(s) in an Indiana school. According to the responses on the survey, the 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 support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will my student be consident a Multilingual Learner?

A: Multilingual Learners take an English profiency assessment called WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS yearly. The assessment measures whether students are performing on grade level in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing in English. When a students earns an overall composite score of 5.0 or higher, they are released from the program and are no longer eligible for MLL support.

WIDA Information

Q: How often will my child be assessed to determine progress toward English language development?

A: Your child will be tested yearly to determine progress.

Q: Will I receive written notice if my child is identified as a Multilingual Learner?

A: Yes. You will receive notice from the school that your child has been identified as a Multilingual Learner.

Q: Am I able to meet with school staff to discuss my child's overall learning and language development practice?

A: 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 parent/teacher conferences, as well as scheduled meetings as a result of reaching out to your student's teacher.

Q: What if I don't want my child to be identified as a Multilingual Learner?

A: You have the right to opt out of services. It is important to note that even though you may opt-out, the district retains a responsibility to ensure the student has an equal opportunity to have English language and academic needs met. Students not served by district programs must still complete state-required assessments and are counted in the district's progress toward meeting academic and graduation outcomes.

Federal regulations require the annual assessment of English learners until they demonstrate profiency. Parents who refuse direct language development services must be aware that:

The student will still be tested annually with the state English language proficiency assessment
The student will have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and will receive appropriate adaptations to classroom instruction and assessment based on the student's language level in order to ensure meaningful participation and learning in academic subject areas
The student will receive appropriate testing accommodations for English learners on all state standardized tests (e.g. ILearn, ECAs, IREAD-3, etc.)

Parents have the right to opt back into services at any time and must still be notified annual of their student's English proficiency level.

Q: Does my child have equal access to all programming and services offered by the school if/when they are identified as a Multilingual Learner?

A: Yes. Your child has equal access to all programming and services offered by the school, appropriate to age and grade level including those required for graduation, and to all school programs available to other students. Being entitled to MLL services does not limit the ability to take part in any available program or service.

Q: As a Multilingual Learner, will my child receive content instruction at the same academic level?

A: 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 students.

Q: As a Multilingual Learner, will my child be able to access extracurricular activities?

A: Yes. Your child has the right to have full access to extracurricular activities.

Q: As a Multilingual Learner, will my child get support services (i.e. academic intervention) aligned with any intervention plans the school or district provides?

A: Yes. Your child has the right to support services aligned with the intervention plans provided to all students.