There are many groups within schools that may not always receive the same level of recognition. One of those groups is multilingual learners, or MLs.
MLs are students who learned a language other than English first, grew up speaking another language more frequently, or come from households that primarily use a different language.
Ben Coates is the multilingual learner program specialist. He said he pursued the position for the challenge it presents and the opportunity to help students build English proficiency.
Coates said his goal in the classroom is that “improvement is the standard,” meaning students should continue growing from wherever they are in the learning process.
Entering a school where most people speak a language you do not fully understand can be intimidating.
“If anyone could put themselves in that situation or imagine being in that situation,” Coates said. “You would feel empathy for that person.”
Math teacher Katie Allsbrook works with MLs in her classroom and said supporting them requires flexibility across subjects.
“It’s not like a cookie-cutter way to provide accommodations because they’re kind of all over the place with what they know,” Allsbrook said. “And what they’re confident enough to say.”
Sophomore Gabriela Canales said speaking with peers can be intimidating, but she has found support from classmates.
“Other people in my classes have helped me explain concepts that I did not understand,” Canales said. “They have also helped practice conversations with me and correct my mistakes.”
Students said the ML program provides meaningful benefits beyond academics.
“Learning English is extremely important because it opens access to global education, career opportunities, culture and information,” sophomore Nadia Cherevko said. “It improves the brain’s cognitive functions, broadens one’s worldview and allows communication with millions of people from different parts of the world.”
Behind the scenes, educators work to ensure MLs succeed both in school and beyond.
“Helping them gain proficiency in English is really helping them with a life skill,” Coates said.
