Office of ELL and Multilingual Programs

Office of ELL and Multilingual Programs Team

2021 ELL and Bilingual Department Vision and Mission

Vision

The WPS ELL and Bilingual Department is committed to building on the strengths of students. We advocate for equitable access to and participation in school and community opportunities, including the Seal of Biliteracy, Waltham community partners, school-based clubs, sports, and activities. Our bilingual students engage in high-quality instruction in a community that is culturally responsive. 

Mission

The ELL and Bilingual Department supports the Waltham Public Schools Mission through three pillars.

Academic: 

• Integrate language and content through research-based high quality instruction. 

• Promote English language development and biliteracy aligned with WIDA standards.

• Activate and build on prior knowledge through culturally responsive pedagogy.

• Foster independence through the consistent application of learning strategies.

Cultural: 

• Value and cultivate first language and home culture.

• Bridge from first to second languages.

• Respect differences and facilitate engaged academic conversations about culture, race, and language. 

Socioemotional:

• Create a positive learning environment where students make personal connections. 

• Make connections and build trust.

• Serve as a bridge to the community and larger society by participating in community service.

Bilingual English Language Learners Parent Advisory Committee

The English learner parent advisory council (ELPAC) is made up of parents and legal guardians of English learners.  Membership is voluntary and is open to all parents and legal guardians of students who are or have been identified as English learners.

The mission of the Waltham ELPAC is to work to promote multilingual and multicultural values for all students.  We will welcome and support the families of new English language learners into the Waltham community. To that end, members will work to: 

• Promote a network of parents of multilingual children, and provide a forum to share information. 

• Advise the School Committee, Superintendent, and the Directors of English Language Learning on the development and evaluation of programs, long range planning, district-wide policy decisions, and the budget for English Language Learning.

BELPC Monthly Meetings

Parent Liaisons

Each school in WPS has their own parent liaison who can help to welcome incoming families to schools. If you have questions for your parent liaison, please contact your child's schools.