English Learners
Every language-minority student has the right to a free and appropriate public education. MSAD 15 ensures that every school-age child eligible for English Language Acquisition (ELA) services under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Lau v. Nichols (1974) receives an appropriate program of instruction and supportive services designed to meet their individual needs. ELA services are provided to students in Gray and New Gloucester by a state-certified, ESL-endorsed teacher or supervised support staff, at no cost to parents. Students receiving ELA services are encouraged to participate in the regular school program whenever possible.
MSAD 15 is committed to identifying, locating, and assessing, at public expense, all children aged 5–20 who require English Language Acquisition services, including students advancing from grade to grade.
Translation and Interpretation Services:
All limited-English-speaking parents are entitled by law to interpretation and translation services to ensure equal educational opportunity for their children. From school registration to meetings such as parent-teacher conferences, parents are provided support from approved interpreters and translators who speak their language and understand their culture.
Parent/Guardian Resources:
- Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State (ACCESS) Parent Handout
- Information for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Parents and Guardians and for Schools
- DOE Webpage for Multilingual Learners
- WIDA – Standards, Assessment, & Professional Learning for English Language Development
- Unite for Literacy
Updated February 09, 2026