GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS (ML)

9th grade students, regardless of ML designation, who entered US schools PRIOR to 9th grade, should be scheduled for a World Language course and will need to earn at least 5 credits prior to graduation. ML students participating in the ML Program are eligible to earn their required World Language graduation credits through their ML Lab course, which is aligned to NJSLS World Language standards. Eligible students may elect to enroll in a World Language course, but they are not required to do so. Some students may meet their World Language credits via Option 2 Biliteracy testing. This determination will be made by the ML supervisor, Director of Curriculum or Director of Special Projects in collaboration with the Guidance Supervisor. Students must demonstrate a Novice High proficiency in all modes of communication in their primary language on an approved assessment (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)2ii(2)). For Seal of Biliteracy, Multilingual Learners may also demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a score of at least 4 on all sections of Tier B or Tier C on the ACCESS for ELLs assessment during their junior year of high school. All students eligible for ML services must take ACCESS for ELLs assessment each year of high school. The NJDOE provides consideration for ML students in meeting their ELA and World Language graduation requirements, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:8 5.1, by applying credits earned in an ESL course (as noted in GEHRHSD Policy 2423): The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District utilizes a high intensity English as a Second Language program under a waiver, applied for annually, to meet the Bilingual Education Code NJAC 6A:15. The focus throughout our High Intensity ESL program will be on listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as part of the student’s English language development. Students identified as eligible for ESL services, known as Multilingual Learners (ML), are provided with two periods of instruction by a certified ESL teacher. One period is a standard ESL and the other is an ESL Lab or ESL Reading class.