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English/Multilingual Learning

Waters

Merritt Waters, Ph.D.                                                       
Coordinator of English/Multilingual Supports 
216-227-5593 I email

Lakewood City Schools celebrates the cultural and linguistic diversity of its students and their families.  Currently, our district serves nearly nearly 300 English/Multilingual Learners (EL/MLs) speaking over 30 different languages.

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An English learner is an individual who:

  • is between the ages of 3 and 21;

  • is enrolled in an elementary or secondary school;

  • has a language other than English as the native/home language, whether born in the U.S. or another country; and

  • has such difficulty listening, reading, speaking and/or writing English that the student may be unable to perform well enough in class or on state tests to meet expected state standards for achievement.

In order to meet English learners' potential, Lakewood Schools keep two priorities in mind as we strive to meet the needs of our English/multilingual learners.  On one hand, we  facilitate students’ development in listening, reading, speaking and writing English in a safe and compassionate environment, encouraging them to maintain their native language.  With equal emphasis, we foster students’ pride in their native cultures while simultaneously educating them about American society.

Lakewood’s educators strive to promote collaboration among families, educators, and community members  who work with culturally and linguistically diverse students.  Together, we successfully support our English and Multilingual Learners as they gain skills for life!

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