Explore Maine Department of Education's tools and resources designed to help districts build coherent, integrated multilingual learner programs. The collection brings together practical guidance and tools that support aligned systems, shared responsibility, and responsive practices across programming, instruction, family engagement, and student support. Resources are designed to help districts meet regulatory requirements while addressing the unique needs of multilingual learners.
This dynamic resource hub is updated regularly with new tools, information, and resources reflecting current research and best practices. Adapt and build upon these tools to develop coherent approaches that reflect the diverse needs of your community.
Tools for Coherent, Integrated Multilingual Learner Programs
- SAU Multilingual Program Self-Assessment
- Maine DOE Lau Plan Template and Guidance
- Student Enrollment Guide: ML Data Upload and Reporting Checklist
- ESOL/Bilingual Program Types for State Data Collection
- Maine DOE Individual Language Acquisition Plan (ILAP) Companion Guide
- Individual Language Acquisition Plan (ILAP) Template 2.0 – Fillable PDF and Word templates
- Programming and Grade Placement Guidance for Multilingual Learners Transitioning to Maine High Schools
- Identifying and Serving Students Who Are Multilingual Learners with Disabilities: Policy and Resource Guide
- ESOL Service Provision Guidelines for Dual Language Learners in Pre-K
The English Learner Toolkit by the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) supports state and local education agencies in meeting their obligations to English Learners (ELs) under U.S. civil rights laws. It offers 10 chapters, each covering a key area such as identifying ELs, providing language assistance programs, ensuring access to curricula, supporting ELs with disabilities, and communicating with parents. Each chapter includes tools and resources to help educators effectively support ELs.
- Sample Multilingual Family Education and History Enrollment Interview Form
- Sample Multilingual Learner Eligibility Parent Notification Form
- Sample Multilingual Learner Non-Eligibility Parent Notification Form
- Sample Parent/Guardian Form to Decline ESOL Services
- Sample Parent/Guardian Notice of Exit from ESOL Program
- WIDA English Language Development Standards and resources
- Building Capacity for Multilingual Learners with SupportEd Professional Learning Series
- PINE Project Book Collection and Professional Learning Modules
- PLUSS: Framework for Instructional/Intervention Enhancement: Observation Rubric Project LEE
- Making Meaning: Expressive and Interpretative Considerations for Multilingual Learners
- Beyond the Surface: Stages of Language Acquisition
- Orientation Checklist for New Multilingual Students – Video | One-Pager
- Dual Language Learners PreK – Video | One-Pager | Presentation
- Multilingual Learners with Disabilities Policy and Resource Guide: Intervention Procedures – Video | One-Pager | MTSS/RTI Checklist
- Cultural Reading Resources for Educators
- Unite for Literacy: Free digital access to picture books narrated in 50+ languages.
Access to Achievement: iMTSS Supporting ALL Learners at Every Tier
Equitable Access. Meaningful Engagement. Growth for All.
Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (iMTSS) is a proactive, data-driven framework that combines academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to ensure every student, including multilingual learners (MLs), gets the right support at the right time. Tier 1 serves as the foundation, emphasizing culturally and linguistically responsive instruction, language and content objectives, and collaborative planning. Progress is closely monitored, and when needed, targeted Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions are added through a team-based process.
Contact
Jane Armstrong
ESOL State Specialist
Email: Jane.Armstrong@maine.gov