What is Multilingual Learner (MLs)

Districts must ensure students are supported in their academic and language acquisition careers. According to the Department of Education, between the 2009-10 and 2014-15 school years, the percentage of students who are identified as multilingual learners (MLs) has increased in more than half of the states. It becomes the responsibility of districts and administration to provide adequate support for students as they progress through their educational careers. With the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act, multilingual learners are an important focus that needs attention according to this new legislation. Districts hold the duty to offer programs to support multilingual learners' academic and language development. This chapter will focus on the importance of a leader's role and the tasks needed to assist districts with choosing programs that best support multilingual learners' education. This chapter will also provide comparable information on program specifics when choosing the traditional bilingual and dual language program to support multilingual learners.