Marlborough Public Schools is proud to provide specialized instruction to over 1,700 identified English learners grades kindergarten through 12, representing more than 35 percent of the district’s total student population.

These students, along with additional preschool students identified as dual language learners, speak more than 40 languages and come from over 30 different countries. This diversity adds a vibrant richness and new perspectives to all of our classrooms!

The MPS EL program follows a Sheltered English Immersion model, in which students receive English language development (ELD) instruction by licensed English as a second language (ESL) teachers and sheltered content instruction (SCI) by licensed subject-area or grade-level teachers. This program model is designed to support ELs both in their English language acquisition and in their academic learning.

During the week of October 13, 2025, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Marlborough Public Schools. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.

Parents and other individuals may call Samantha Kodak, Office of Language Acquisition Review Chairperson, at (781) 338- 3561 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, DESE will make the necessary arrangements.

 Within approximately 60 business days of the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Marlborough Public Schools with a report with information about areas in which Marlborough Public Schools meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Marlborough Public Schools requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.