elementary students and a teacher sitting on a play mat in a classroom

Multilingual Education

The Office of Multilingual Education oversees instructional programming for students who are classified as English Learners (ELs). The Office is part of the Teaching and Learning Division of Worcester Public Schools.

WPS aims to ensure that all English Learners excel academically in a welcoming environment. We take an asset-based approach to embracing, celebrating, and encouraging multilingualism. With a value of equity at our core, we partner with families to ensure our students meet high standards of excellence.

Multilingual Program Options

Worcester Public Schools offers four types of multilingual education programs: 1) Dual Language, 2) Sheltered English Immersion, 3) Sheltered English Immersion for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE), and 4) Transitional Bilingual Education.

The prominent program is Sheltered English Immersion, which is available in every WPS school.

Students who are native Spanish or English speakers can apply to participate in the two-way Dual Language Program in preschool and kindergarten at the Chandler Magnet Elementary School.

Values

  • Asset-Based Approaches: We acknowledge and integrate the diverse linguistic and cultural practices of multilingual learners, families, and communities as essential for education.

  • Equity: We pursue policies and practices that ensure equitable educational opportunities for multilingual learners.

  • Collaboration: We partner with students, families, communities, and colleagues to fulfill our collective responsibility.

  • Professionalism: We commit to high standards of excellence and professional growth to strengthen our practices and programs.

Rights of English Learners

Worcester Public Schools offers multilingual education programs for students identified as English Learners (ELs).  The district will assess your child’s English language proficiency upon registration; find out more about the process.  If your child is found to be an English learner, you will receive further notification with your child’s English proficiency test results and your options for program placement.

If your child is determined to be an English learner, you have the right to:

  • Choose a multilingual education program among those offered by the district;

  • Visit a multilingual education program in the district;

  • Attend available meetings to learn more about the multilingual education programs offered in the district;

  • Request a new multilingual education program in accordance with state law; and

  • Withdraw your child from a multilingual education program.

Staff

Jessica Mandes

Jessica Mandes

Director of Multilingual Education

20 Irving St.
Worcester, MA 01609
508-799-3623
Email Jessica

Erin Goldstein
Assistant Director
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Marcella Vasiliadis
Head Clerk
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Georgia Beehler
South Quadrant Coach
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Harriett Bray
Parent Information Center Liaison
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Nichole Brundige
North Quadrant Coach
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Adrian Burgos
Parent Information Center Liaison
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Lisa Hicks
Doherty Quadrant Coach
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Maria Kaplanes
Parent Information Center Liaison
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Nabil Khoury
Parent Information Center Liaison
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Ashley McPartland
Burncoat Quadrant Coach
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Luz Mendez
Burncoat Quadrant Coach
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Charikleia (Litsa) Moullas
Parent Information Center Liaison
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Chavani Taylor
Doherty Quadrant Coach
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Martha Vasquez
Parent Information Center Liaison
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