Multilingual Services
Multilingual Services
Who are Multilingual Students?
Multilingual students are a diverse group of students with different languages, cultures, and life experiences. They bring valuable skills, knowledge, and strengths that support learning for everyone.
In Seattle Public Schools, our multilingual students speak over 140 languages and dialects from 159 different countries, bringing with them their rich cultures and experiences.
NEW! The Multilingual (ML) Department has created a “Parents’ Guide to How a Student Becomes Eligible for Multilingual Services” video. This guide is available in the top five languages spoken in our school district. You can find the guides in the Eligibility for Multilingual Services page under “Additional Links” on the right side of that page.
Eligibility for Multilingual Services pageAll educators are language teachers!
The best support for multilingual students comes when all teachers work together to help students learn English and succeed in school (Boals, Hakuta, & Blair, 2015).
Therefore, all multilingual students, regardless of their English language proficiency levels, can be served at any of our K-12 schools.
Services for Multilingual Students
Seattle Public Schools values the languages and cultures our students bring to school. We provide services and support to help multilingual students learn English, succeed academically, and build on their strengths as multilingual students.
- High-quality instructional programs support English language development and grade-level learning
- English language development instruction taught by certified teachers, with support from instructional assistants
- Support for migrant and refugee students
- Continued support for students who have exited Multilingual Services
- Translation and interpretation services for families who prefer communication in a language other than English
- Opportunities to earn World Language Credit and Seal of Biliteracy
Instructional Models for Multilingual Students
Seattle Public Schools offers services to help multilingual students build English skills and achieve success in school.
- In neighborhood schools, students learn grade-level content and develop English language skills in their regular classrooms. Classroom teachers and ML teachers use research-based instructional approaches and work together to support students’ language and academic growth.
- Students who speak Japanese, Mandarin, or Spanish may be eligible to attend a Dual Language school. These programs help students become bilingual and biliterate, achieve grade-level academic success, build cultural understanding, and develop a strong sense of identity.
- Multilingual students may also attend other SPS Service and Option Schools
Learn how students qualify for Multilingual (ML) Services.
Contact us
Visit our Department Contacts page for staff contact information