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Multilingual Education
Mission of Multilingual Education Department
The Equity and Multilingual Education Department provides research-based, rigorous opportunities for students to learn new languages as a vehicle to become successful and productive members of a global, diverse society. Our goal is to ensure that all students graduate with high levels of academic achievement in more than one language and with high degrees of socio-cultural competence.
Vision of the Equity and Multilingual Education Department
Students in Windham Public Schools will have the linguistic skills needed to have high academic achievement, become biliterate, and have sociocultural competence.
Programs Offered
ESOL Courses
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are taught by certified ESOL teachers. Students are placed in these courses according to their English proficiency levels and academic support needs. ESOL courses focus on students' English language development and academic language.
New Arrivals Course Sections
The New Arrivals course sections are offered to students who are at the beginning stages of English language acquisition in grades 9-12. Content area teachers sheltered instruction, and ESOL/Bilingual Tutors are assigned to support students in these course sections. New Arrivals who are Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) and eligible for Bilingual Education are offered additional Bilingual course options and an ESOL course section specifically for SLIFE New Arrivals.
World Language Courses
In an increasingly global society, the importance of learning world languages and developing sociocultural competence cannot be underestimated. Students who achieve bilingualism enjoy various benefits including but not limited to: enhanced executive function (brain power), advantages in the job market, slower onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and much more. Windham High School offers Spanish I-IV classes, as well as an Advanced Placement Spanish course opportunity.
The State of Connecticut has approved the Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction created to recognize graduating seniors who are literate in more than one language. Connecticut’s passing of the Seal of Biliteracy demonstrates the state’s recognition that bilingualism is an important asset when seeking admissions to college as well as when applying for employment. Learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy here.
Windham Public School graduating seniors that demonstrate proficiency in a world language other than English and that show interest in this award have their abilities to speak, read, and write the language tested. Students that qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy then receive an award, a seal on their diploma, and have a special designation on their academic transcripts.
In our increasingly diverse world, employers are searching for bilingual candidates. The Seal of Biliteracy is one way for students with this attribute to demonstrate their skills on their résumés, further preparing them for college and career. This award not only honors students’ hard work, but also signals to businesses students’ highly demanded linguistic prowess.