Multilingual Learners (ML)

Welcome

Washington County Public Schools values the rich cultural and linguistic diversity that Multilingual Learners bring to our schools and community. Our Multilingual Learning (ML) program supports students in developing the academic and language skills necessary to thrive in school and beyond, while celebrating and building upon their home languages and cultures.

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Our Commitment

WCPS is committed to ensuring that Multilingual Learners (MLs) have equitable access to rigorous grade-level content and meaningful participation in all school activities. We work closely with families, classroom teachers, and school staff to create inclusive learning environments that support both language development and academic success.

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Who We Serve

The ML program serves students in grades K–12 whose first language is not English and who are in the process of developing English proficiency. This includes:

• Newly arrived students from other countries

• U.S.-born students who speak another language at home

• Students with varying levels of English proficiency, from beginning to advanced

Enrollment has grown steadily, and ML students are now part of every school community in WCPS.

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Instructional Services

ML students receive English language development (ELD) instruction from certified ML teachers. This instruction is designed to:

• Build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English

• Support access to grade-level academic content

• Develop academic vocabulary and critical thinking skills

• Foster confidence and participation in the classroom

Services are provided through co-teaching in general education classrooms, small-group instruction, and individualized support based on each student’s needs and English language proficiency level.

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Our Approach

Instruction is guided by the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework and aligned to Maryland State Standards. Teachers focus on integrating language and content learning so students can build their English skills while engaging in meaningful academic work. Instruction emphasizes:

• Collaboration and discussion with peers

• Use of visuals, sentence stems, and other language supports

• Opportunities to build on students’ strengths and home languages

• Culturally responsive teaching practices that honor students’ identities

Maryland State Department of Education Multilingual Learning Website

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Family and Community Engagement

We believe strong partnerships with families are essential for student success. WCPS offers interpretation and translation services, bilingual family liaisons, and family events to help parents stay informed and involved. We collaborate with community organizations and the International Welcome Center to support families as they navigate school and community life.

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Monitoring Progress

Students’ English proficiency growth is measured annually using the WIDA ACCESS assessment. Results are used to set goals, tailor instruction, and determine when students are ready to exit the ML program. Even after students exit, their progress is monitored to ensure continued success in the classroom.

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Contact Us

We welcome your questions and partnership as we support our Multilingual Learners together.

Supervisor of Multilingual Learners and World Languages
Paula Moore
moorepau@wcps.k12.md.us
301-766-2977

Administrative Assistant
Xenia (Carmen) Diaz
diazxen@wcps.k12.md.us
301-766-2923

Elementary ML Teacher Specialist
Leia Dewald
dewallei@wcps.k12.md.us
301-766-9042

Secondary ML Teacher Specialist
Georgine Rabenold
rabengeo@wcps.k12.md.us
301-766-2995

International Welcome Center (IWC)

• Sonia Vanegas, ML Family and Teacher Specialist

• Indira Rodriguez, Multilingual Paraprofessional

• Virgen Garcia, IWC Administrative Assistant and Interpretation Request Services

iwc@wcps.k12.md.us | 301-766-8288