The Office of Multilingual Education oversees instructional programming for students who are classified as English Learners (ELs). The Office is part of the Teaching and Learning Division of Worcester Public Schools.

WPS aims to ensure that all English Learners excel academically in a welcoming environment. We take an asset-based approach to embracing, celebrating, and encouraging multilingualism. With a value of equity at our core, we partner with families to ensure our students meet high standards of excellence.

Worcester Public Schools offers four types of multilingual education programs: 1) Dual Language, 2) Sheltered English Immersion, 3) Sheltered English Immersion for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE), and 4) Transitional Bilingual Education.

The prominent program is Sheltered English Immersion, which is available in every WPS school.

Students who are native Spanish or English speakers can apply to participate in the two-way Dual Language Program in preschool and kindergarten at the Chandler Magnet Elementary School.

• Asset-Based Approaches: We acknowledge and integrate the diverse linguistic and cultural practices of multilingual learners, families, and communities as essential for education.

• Equity: We pursue policies and practices that ensure equitable educational opportunities for multilingual learners.

• Collaboration: We partner with students, families, communities, and colleagues to fulfill our collective responsibility.

• Professionalism: We commit to high standards of excellence and professional growth to strengthen our practices and programs.

Worcester Public Schools offers multilingual education programs for students identified as English Learners (ELs).  The district will assess your child’s English language proficiency upon registration; find out more about the process.  If your child is found to be an English learner, you will receive further notification with your child’s English proficiency test results and your options for program placement.

If your child is determined to be an English learner, you have the right to:

• Choose a multilingual education program among those offered by the district;

• Visit a multilingual education program in the district;

• Attend available meetings to learn more about the multilingual education programs offered in the district;

• Request a new multilingual education program in accordance with state law; and

• Withdraw your child from a multilingual education program.

Dual Language

Dual Language Program Registration

MA Seal of Biliteracy Program

Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)

Sheltered English Immersion

CAFE-B

English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC)

Procedures for English Learner Determination

LOOK Act Information