WCS Multilingual Learners
The homes of WCS students are rich with linguistic and cultural diversity. Among the most commonly spoken languages are Arabic, Chaldean & Assyrian, Bengali, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Spanish, Albanian, and Hmong. In total, over 70 languages are spoken by families across the district— a reflection of our vibrant, multicultural community. WCS takes great pride in fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates this diversity.
During the 2024–2025 school year, WCS supported approximately 3,600 Multilingual Learners (MLs) across 22 school buildings. Students are identified as MLs in accordance with the Michigan Department of Education's Entrance Protocols, using the WIDA Screener Assessment. Once identified, MLs receive a variety of tailored services designed to support their individual language development needs.
Each spring, all MLs participate in the WIDA ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS assessment, a state-mandated measure of English language proficiency. Students who score 4.8 or higher (out of 6.0) on this assessment are reclassified as Former English Learners (FELs) and exit the ML program.
Families can learn more about the WIDA assessments through resources provided by the Michigan Department of Education, available here, including translated materials in Arabic and Spanish.