McKinney Vento and Multi-Lingual Coding Procedures

Reference Documents

• SCDE May 3, 2022 Memo: https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/school-district-memoranda-archive/multilingual-learner-identification/multilingual-learner-identification-memo/

• SCDE Enrollment Survey Page: https://ed.sc.gov/policy/federal-education-programs/every-student-succeeds-act-essa-title-ix-part-a-mckinney-vento-homeless-assistance-act/enrollment-survey/

• Home Language Survey (English version): https://ed.sc.gov/policy/federal-education-programs/office-of-federal-and-state-accountability-trainings/2021-essa-academy-day-1/enrollment-survey-english/

• Home Language Survey (Spanish version): https://ed.sc.gov/policy/federal-education-programs/office-of-federal-and-state-accountability-trainings/2021-essa-academy-day-1/enrollment-survey-spanish/

• SCDE McKinney Vento / Homeless Act Page: https://ed.sc.gov/policy/federal-education-programs/every-student-succeeds-act-essa-title-ix-part-a-mckinney-vento-homeless-assistance-act/

• SCDE McKinney Vento/Homeless Memo October 2024

Introduction

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), mandates standardized statewide procedures for the entrance and exit of multilingual learners (MLs). ESEA section 3113(b)(2) requires that all students who may be MLs are assessed for this status within 30 calendar days of enrollment in a school.

The purpose of the Enrollment Survey (ES) is to consolidate identification tools for the three federal programs housed within the team including the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth, Title I, Part C Migrant Education, and Title III, Part A Multilingual Learners and Immigrant Children and Youth. Identification of our diverse student subgroups is an imperative first step to increasing access to educational opportunities and providing appropriate services and wrap-around supports. In addition, consolidation of identification tools will streamline identification processes and data entry for DIA federal programs.

Screening

The Education of Migratory Children/Youth (MEP), authorized by Title I, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, provides free educational services to agricultural workers and their children aged 0-21. Services include tutoring, free lunch eligibility, summer programs, parental involvement activities, and referrals to other necessary services.

Multi-Lingual

In South Carolina, potential MLs are screened using an approved English Language Proficiency (ELP) screener within the first 30 calendar days of enrollment at the start of the school year. For students enrolling after the school year starts, identification must occur within 14 calendar days to ensure timely provision of appropriate services. Special circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, inclement weather, or delays in transfer records, may affect this timeline. However, identification must be completed within 30 calendar days to comply with federal requirements. Documentation of any delays must be maintained.

Coding

MLs already identified and served should begin receiving services as close to the first day of school as possible. Newly identified MLs must start receiving Multilingual Learner Program (MLP) services within 30 calendar days of enrollment at the start of the school year, or within two weeks for those enrolling later. Any special circumstances affecting this process must be documented, and interim support should be provided.

Home Language Survey

Federal guidelines also require that parents or guardians of students with a language other than English indicated on the Home Language Survey (HLS) receive notification of their child’s ML status and placement in the language instruction educational program (LIEP) within 30 calendar days of the school year start, or within two weeks of placement for late enrollees. Notifications must be communicated in a language and format understandable to the parents or guardians, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Further details will be provided in the 2022-23 Title III, Multilingual Learner Program and Immigrant Children and Youth Guiding Principles document.