Our Goal:

Our ML program exists to equip students with the language, academic, and real-world skills needed to succeed at or above grade level. We are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging where students feel valued, confident, and supported. We honor and celebrate each student’s culture while encouraging learning about others, empowering multilingual learners to thrive in school and beyond.

Our ML teachers help students learn English while continuing to grow academically in all subject areas. They work closely with students, families, and school staff to ensure every learner has access to a high-quality education. ML teachers provide language instruction, classroom support, and advocacy so students can thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Book of the Month

Click here for the read aloud

Curriculum Information

At Surry County Schools, we are committed to ensuring that Multilingual Learners (MLs) have access to high-quality instruction that supports both language development and academic achievement. Our ML teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to provide targeted language support while helping students engage in grade-level content across all subject areas.

Our program utilizes a variety of instructional resources, technology tools, and research-based practices to meet the diverse needs of learners at all proficiency levels. Through small-group instruction, language-focused lessons, and individualized support, students develop the skills needed to communicate, learn, and succeed in school and beyond.

As we continue to grow our program, Surry County Schools is placing an increased focus on collaboration and co-teaching models. By strengthening partnerships between ML teachers and classroom teachers, we aim to create learning environments where language development and content instruction happen together. This approach allows students to remain actively engaged in classroom learning while receiving the language support they need to thrive.

We also recognize the value of purposeful small-group instruction. By strategically using small groups, teachers can provide targeted support, differentiate instruction, and respond to individual student needs more effectively. Through ongoing professional learning, collaborative planning, and shared instructional practices, we are building a system that maximizes opportunities for every multilingual learner to grow academically, linguistically, and socially.

At Surry County Schools, we believe multilingualism is an asset, and we are dedicated to creating classrooms where every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

WIDA Information

WIDA is a nationally recognized framework that supports the academic success of Multilingual Learners (MLs) by providing standards, assessments, and resources focused on English language development. North Carolina uses WIDA to help schools understand how students develop language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while learning grade-level content.

Through WIDA assessments and instructional resources, educators can identify students' language strengths, monitor growth, and provide targeted support that helps students access rigorous academic instruction. WIDA's approach recognizes that multilingualism is an asset and encourages students to build upon their existing language knowledge as they develop proficiency in English.

At Surry County Schools, WIDA helps guide instruction and ensure that Multilingual Learners receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and linguistically.

WIDA Assessment Information

NCDPI WIDA Information

Webinar and PD Recordings

Coming Soon

Newcomers

What Is a Newcomer Student?

A newcomer student is a student who was born outside the United States, has enrolled in a U.S. school within the past three years, and is in the process of learning English. This designation is temporary and helps schools provide the support students need as they adjust to a new language, school system, and community.

Newcomer students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. They may include refugees, asylees, migratory students, unaccompanied youth, and other immigrant children and families who have recently arrived in the United States.

At Surry County Schools, we recognize the unique strengths newcomer students bring to our classrooms. Their diverse languages, cultures, experiences, and perspectives enrich our schools and communities. Newcomers often possess valuable multilingual skills and prior knowledge that support their academic growth and English language development.

Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where newcomer students and their families feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed.