MTSS Integrated Conference '26

Multilingual Learners (MLs) have unique challenges in meeting graduation requirements and preparing for post-secondary opportunities. In this session, our OSPI team will share strategies to support secondary MLs in their pathways to graduation including awarding credit for coursework completed in other countries, mastery-based crediting, and best practices to support long-term or "experienced" multilinguals in core content classes.

Multilingual learners are over-referred to intervention and under-served within it. This session presents a district-tested framework with two orientations: applying MTSS principles within multilingual learner services to tier ELD support by need, and infusing multilingual expertise into every MTSS tier — from reading and math intervention to universal instruction. We also examine RTI accountability structures for linguistically informed decision-making. Participants leave with a replicable model and concrete next steps.

Strong Tier 1 instruction is essential to ensuring multilingual learners experience meaningful, rigorous, and accessible learning every day. This session provides participants with a practical approach to understanding and implementing the WIDA ELD Standards Framework within Tier 1 instruction. Through examples of strong practice and student-centered planning tools, participants will learn how to support teachers in integrating language and content across any curriculum, position multilingual learners as engaged learners, and foster a deep sense of academic belonging in which MLs understand themselves as valued participants in both social well-being and academic success.