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.

This session explores how MTSS and the pre referral process should function for multilingual learners. Participants will examine culturally and linguistically responsive practices, the integration of English Language Development across all MTSS tiers, and structured tools to guide decision making. Attendees will leave with practical tools and reflective questions to support whole child data review, instructional access, and the differentiation of language difference from disability prior to special education referral.