Language Services

The Department of Language Services is crucial in supporting KCPS departments by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and their families. This department plays a key role in implementing the KCPS Blueprint 2030 Strategic Plan and KCPS Board Policy through its comprehensive programs and services, which include:

• Serving Multilingual Learners: Ensuring MLs receive the necessary support to thrive academically and socially.
• Families and Community Engagement: Building strong connections between families, schools, and the community to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Community Partnerships: Establishing collaborations to secure essential supports and resources for families.
• Academic Growth and Language Development: Promoting the academic progress and language proficiency of MLs through targeted programs and initiatives.

By working with other departments, community partners, and stakeholders, the Department of Language Services enhances the educational experience for MLs and their families, ensuring they have access to the resources and support needed to succeed.

Services are provided in most students' neighborhood schools, where ESOL-certified teachers develop language skills through integrated reading, writing, listening, and speaking instruction. Additional ESOL support staff help students acquire language and content knowledge. An interactive English Language Development curriculum aids multilingual learners in gaining the language skills necessary for academic success. ESOL teachers may offer more intensive instruction, using targeted language development based on proficiency levels and gradually releasing responsibility using WIDA Can Do Descriptors and explicit instruction. Additionally, teachers scaffold grade-level curriculum to ensure that MLs can access and engage with the same academic content as their peers, providing the necessary support to bridge any gaps in understanding.

The program includes a K-12 continuum to monitor students' progress using multiple data points to drive instruction. Each student has an Individual Language Plan (ILP) outlining specific goals and strategies for language development, ensuring personalized and targeted support for successful outcomes. This involves regular assessments, progress monitoring, and data dashboards to visualize student performance. By analyzing these data points, educators can make informed instructional decisions, tailor support to individual student needs, and ensure timely interventions to promote academic growth.

To build capacity among general education and other staff, the program includes professional learning opportunities, such as training in the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model. The SIOP model provides a comprehensive framework for integrating language development with content instruction, ensuring all educators can effectively support English language learners. This approach fosters collaboration and enhances overall instructional quality, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.