The Connecticut State Department of Education has published a new framework to help school districts support English-learning and multi-language learning students.
The framework, which the department has been working on since 2021, outlines the best ways school districts can support their multilingual learners, starting from the administration down to the classroom instructor.
Evelyn Robles-Rivas, director of the Multilingual Learners Program with New Haven Public Schools, applauded the state for publishing a detail-oriented guide.
“This is a great step. I think the State Department of Education is taking it seriously, understanding that our students matter and the success of multilingual learners means the success of all students in the district,” Robles-Rivas said.
The framework is structured around four principles: 1) access to high-quality skilled educators; 2) evidence-based practices guided by research; 3) the need to create family and community engagement; and 4) reflection and continuous improvement.
Marissa Ferraro, coordinator of elementary bilingual programs with Southern Connecticut State University, believes the framework will encourage educators to become language-certified, as it highlights receiving district support. “I would imagine that anybody in the field who has worked with multilingual students will embrace these guidelines, because it helps classroom educators amplify their voice and ask their administrators for support.”
Ferraro added that the framework also helps place an emphasis on the shared responsibility of educating multilingual students.
“Students are doing a huge amount of work and need the support of not only their bilingual teacher, but support across the spectrum, from classroom leaders to administrators and beyond,” Ferraro said.
NBC Connecticut (12/8/25) By Jennifer Cuevas