Multilingual learning

The SCDSB offers programs and services to multilingual learners (ML) in elementary and secondary schools. When necessary, schools can arrange for use of Language in Motion, a service that provides the assistance of a third-party language interpreter when placing phone calls and receiving phone calls with individuals who speak a language other than English.

A MLL is a student that is new to Canada and learning English, or born in Canada and first starting to learn English when they enter school. These students may require focused educational support to assist them in attaining proficiency in English. English as a Second Language (ESL) programs help ML students learn English while simultaneously participating in the curriculum and school life with their English-speaking classmates.
 
English Literacy Development (ELD) programs help students who arrive in Ontario and have limited prior schooling or access to formal education. ELD programs support students to develop the literacy skills they need in English in order to be successful with the academic knowledge of the Ontario curriculum.

The Ontario ESL curriculum ensures that students receive the support they need to learn the language and the Ontario curriculum simultaneously.

For more information about ML support in the SCDSB, contact [email protected].

School-level support for MLL

 

Elementary schools

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/ML instructional coaches work with classroom teachers, educators and school administration to support MLs develop English proficiency, cultural awareness, and effective strategies needed to succeed in learning the Ontario curriculum. Programs are developed and targeted instruction are provided by the classroom teacher and adaptations to the curriculum are made based on each student’s individual needs.

Secondary schools

In designated secondary schools, students can take up to five ESL courses towards their diploma. Students may count up to three credits in English ESL or ELD towards the four compulsory credits in English. Students may substitute up to three ESL or ELD courses for compulsory English credit requirements for their diploma. Additional ESL/ELD credits may be counted as optional credits for their diploma.

For students starting Grade 9 as of 2024 or later, their fourth credit must be a Grade 12 compulsory English course (university, college, or workplace).

Also, students are offered other credit courses adapted to their needs (e.g., history, mathematics, science).