Director of Multilingual Learning
(507) 328-4214 | Email Natalia Benjamin
Multilingual Learning
The Multilingual Learning Program serves a very diverse group of students. There are currently 2,090 multilingual students, which is about 11% of the total student population. These students speak more than 80 languages and dialects. Our largest groups are refugees or descendants of former refugees, migrants or settled migrants, and long-term medical visitors.
Our Multillingual Learning team’s mission is to collaborate and advocate to inspire, challenge, and empower Multilingual Learners as they develop their social and academic English language while developing and sustaining their multicultural identities." the teachers worked together to update some of the language.
Multilingual Learner Identification
As part of the registration process, Minnesota requires all families to complete the Minnesota Home Language Survey. MN Standardized English Learner Procedures
If a family indicates a language other than English on the language survey, the family is directed to the EL Registrar. The EL Registrar gives the student the WIDA Screener (grades 1-12), an English language proficiency test. The results from this assessment determine the student’s English Language Proficiency level and if the student would benefit from EL services. If EL services are deemed appropriate and parents’ consent, the student will receive these services at the school site from an EL teacher. If the student is a kindergartner, the site EL teacher will assess the student’s English language proficiency using the WIDA MODEL, a developmentally appropriate English language assessment for kindergartners. The results of this assessment will assist in determining if the child will benefit from English Learner services. RPS ML/EL Student Identification Process
Each year, parents receive a Notification of EL Services letter in the mail. This letter explains the program and the types of EL services available to their child. If a parent wishes to refuse EL services, a meeting should be set up at the school site. This meeting will discuss the needs of the child. Parents must complete a Refusal of Services form in order to stop EL services every year.
Natalia Benjamin
Language Instruction Education Program (LIEP) - EL Services
RPS provides the following EL Services to Multilingual Students who meet the entrance criteria described above. Service models are specific to grade levels and the student's language proficiency. Below you will find a short description of our services. If you have any questions, please contact your student's ML teacher at their school or the Director of Multilingual Learning.
Exiting the Multilingual Learning Program
When a student has met the EL Exit Criteria, the student will be reclassified and will no longer receive EL services. Parents will be notified of this reclassification. Students will continue their education in the regular mainstream classrooms. Students who receive Special Education services may meet Exit Criteria based on additional factors per Minnesota Standardized English Learner Procedures for English Learners with Disabilities.
State of Minnesota Bilingual Seal
Minnesota districts and charter schools may award Minnesota bilingual and multilingual seals to high school graduates who demonstrate the required levels of language proficiency for languages other than English in grades 10, 11 and 12. Bilingual and multilingual seals are awarded upon graduation. World language proficiency certificates can be awarded when students meet proficiency requirements. For details information on the Seals of Biliteracy program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website.
The dates for the assessments are as follows:
Century (April 22nd), Mayo High School (April 21, 22, 23), RALC (April 21, 22, 24), JM and RPS Online (April 22nd)
Complete all questions in the application
If the student successfully demonstrates proficiency on all four domains of the language, students will receive a certificate with their Bilingual Seal at the time of graduation and level of proficiency will be indicated on the student’s transcript. A student must also demonstrate proficiency in English by having met the required English Language Arts credit for high school graduation.
Students must request the college semester credits from the college/university within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment
Check out this information for students and for families with tons of resources and information in multiple languages. For more information on languages available visit this MDE resource. MDE is continually working to meet language assessments requests.
If you have any questions, please contact Natalia Benjamin.
Register for the exam at https://tinyurl.com/RPSSeals2025.