Multilingual Learners

The WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment)  is a tool used to evaluate the English proficiency of multilingual students and guide their progress in learning the English language.  This assessment measures students’ language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, offering educators valuable insights into their linguistic abilities. 

WIDA Access results help educators determine a student’s English language proficiency level, which in turn informs instruction and curriculum planning. Additionally, the WIDA assessment is crucial for deciding when a student is ready to exit the Multilingual support program. This data-driven approach ensures that students receive the appropriate level of support and are set on a successful path toward multilingual proficiency.

The Camas School District is home to families with heritage backgrounds from around the world. With over 35 languages spoken district-wide, communication between school and home can easily become a barrier that prevents the valued partnership between guardians and educators in support of all student needs. 

Translation services are available for parents at every office in the Camas School District.

According to state and federal law, schools must communicate information to linguistically and culturally diverse parents in a language they can understand about any program, service, or activity that is called to the attention of parents whose primary language is English. 

Review the “Parent’s Rights to Translation Services” fact sheet so you know your rights.

World Languages and The Seal of Biliteracy (From OSPI)

Washington’s K–12 students bring a rich heritage of many cultures and languages. Recognizing the importance of multilingual communication skills and valuing the cultural backgrounds of our state’s students, the Legislature created the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy in 2014.

 The Seal of Biliteracy (the Seal) is an award earned by graduating seniors who meet certain proficiency standards in both English and a second language. The intent of the Seal was to increase the number of students who are proficient in at least two languages. In 2020–21, the Seal was earned by 3,574 high school seniors. The Camas School District awarded ??? 

 In addition to the Seal of Biliteracy, students may also earn competency-based credits in high school if they complete all proficiency components of an assessment in a language other than English. World languages competency-based credits are awarded when students meet the level of proficiency established by their district’s world languages competency-based credit policy. In 2020– 21, 9,378 students earned world languages competency-based high school credits. 

The Highly Capable/Multilingual Parent Advisory (HCMLPA) is a volunteer body of parents from diverse cultures and experiences who serve as representatives of the highly capable and/or multilingual community. HCMLPA advises and informs the assistant superintendent and the HC and ML coordinators regarding Multilingual and Highly Capable services, as well as students’ educational experiences and needs within Camas School District schools. HCMLPA’s focus is on supporting the needs of diverse learners, and the parents who serve on the HCMLPA believe that, by doing so, all students will benefit.