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Mission

At Framingham Public Schools, our mission is to empower every student to thrive academically, socially, and personally. We honor and celebrate our students' diverse languages, cultures, and identities as powerful strengths.

By providing equitable, research-based instruction in inclusive and affirming environments, we encourage students to take risks, share ideas, collaborate, and build independence. We value, respect, and celebrate every student's linguistic skills and academic growth, ensuring they are fully prepared to succeed in school, within their communities, and throughout a global society.

Our vibrant school community represents more than 70 countries and speaks over 68 languages. Our Multilingual Learner Education programs remain deeply student-centered, supporting children as they grow into confident communicators, critical thinkers, and engaged lifelong learners. In every classroom, student growth is nurtured in safe spaces where voices are heard and achievements are celebrated.

Supporting Multilingual Learners at FPS

We believe multilingual learners bring invaluable languages, cultures, experiences, and perspectives that deeply enrich our classrooms, schools, and community. Multilingualism is an asset. A student’s identity, voice, and lived experiences are foundational to a stronger, more connected school community. Through culturally responsive teaching and meaningful learning opportunities, we help students build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their full potential.

Our Core Beliefs

• Assets-Based Approach: Multilingual learners’ languages and cultures are strengths that should be celebrated and integrated into daily teaching, learning, and school life.

• The Power of Multilingualism: Developing proficiency in multiple languages enhances academic growth, communication skills, cultural awareness, and future opportunities.

• Authentic Contexts: Language development thrives through meaningful learning experiences that actively connect a student's home, school, community, and lived experiences.

• Holistic Development: A student's academic, linguistic, cognitive, and social-emotional growth are deeply interconnected and essential to their overall well-being.

• Student-Centered Instruction: All students learn best when instruction builds directly upon their individual strengths, experiences, interests, and identities.

• Active Engagement: Multilingual learners benefit most from interactive learning opportunities that incorporate speaking, listening, reading, writing, collaboration, visual support, movement, and hands-on experiences.

• Linguistic Flexibility: Students grow as confident communicators when they are encouraged to use their full linguistic repertoire—including translanguaging practices—to support their learning and self-expression.

• Inclusive Environments: Learning spaces that explicitly value diversity and multiple perspectives help students build confidence, strong relationships, empathy, and leadership skills.

• Global Citizenship: Multilingual learners use language to share ideas, express themselves, build connections, and positively contribute to their communities and the world around them.
   

(Adapted from WIDA’s Guiding Principles of Language Development, 2020)

At Framingham Public Schools, we believe every student brings unique strengths, experiences, languages, and perspectives to our community. Our programs are designed to create inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments where all students feel valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed. We are committed to fostering academic excellence, multilingualism, cultural pride, and lifelong learning for every student in grades K–12.

Our Program Models

• Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE)

  Promotes bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding through instruction in both English and Spanish or Portuguese. Students develop strong academic skills while building confidence and meaningful connections across cultures.

• Sheltered English Immersion (SEI)

  Provides a rigorous, grade-level curriculum alongside targeted English language development. Through language-rich environments, students strengthen their communication skills and academic confidence.

• Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)

  Builds on the strengths of a student's home language while developing English proficiency. Instruction begins with robust literacy support in the home language and gradually transitions to more English over time, honoring their linguistic identity.

• SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education)

  Tailored to honor and support the diverse educational journeys of our students. This program provides personalized academic, language, and social-emotional supports to help students build foundational skills and navigate their U.S. school experience.

• World Language Programs (Secondary)

  Empowers students to become confident communicators and global citizens through proficiency-based learning. Aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, students explore real-world issues and diverse perspectives, developing critical thinking and intercultural skills for college, career, and civic life.

Multilingual Education Program Matrix

Page Under Construction

We are currently updating our program handbooks to ensure you have access to the most accurate, up-to-date, and helpful resources.

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please check back soon to view and download the updated handbooks!
 

Welcome to Framingham Public Schools!
The Language Assessment and Family Engagement Center is the welcoming gateway for all incoming multilingual students and their families. We celebrate the unique strengths, cultures, and rich linguistic backgrounds each student brings, and we are dedicated to making your transition into our school community smooth, positive, and supportive.

How We Support Your Family

• Comprehensive Language Assessment: Our team collaborates with students to evaluate their English language proficiency. This helps us determine the most effective multilingual program placement where your child can feel confident, access high-quality instruction, and thrive.

• Holistic Student Placement: We ensure every student is placed in an inclusive learning environment that nurtures their academic, social, and emotional growth.

• Family Resources & Advocacy: Our dedicated specialists connect families with school and community resources, assist in navigating the school system, and ensure your voice is heard and valued every step of the way.

We believe in building strong, trusting partnerships with families, keeping our students at the very center of everything we do.

Contact & Location Information

• Coordinator: Nancy Clougherty (Coordinator of Language Assessment and Family Engagement)

• Address: 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham, MA 01702

• Office Hours: Monday - Friday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Phone: 508-626-9171

• Email: multilingualdepartment@framingham.k12.ma.us

For English Learner (EL) Record Requests:
Please send the student’s full name, date of birth, and a signed Records Release Form from a parent or legal guardian directly to: farlanguageassessment@framingham.k12.ma.us.

Facilitating Family-School Partnerships Through Language Access

• Español: Impulsando la colaboración entre la escuela y las familias a través del acceso lingüístico.

• Português: Apoiando a parceria entre a escola e a família através do acesso linguístico.
   

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A REQUEST
Use this form to request a written translation, an on-site or virtual interpreter (including ASL), or oral interpretation services.

Our Mission

The Translation and Interpretation Team provides high-quality language access services to caregivers, families, and community members who communicate in languages other than English. We also proudly serve Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, as well as anyone requiring accessible communication formats.

Our goal is to ensure equitable access to all district information and to foster meaningful participation in every aspect of school and community life. We are deeply committed to advancing language justice and creating inclusive environments where all voices are heard, understood, and valued.

Services We Provide

• Interpreting Services

  Available in any language. We offer consecutive, simultaneous, whispering (Chuchotage), and American Sign Language (ASL) support. Services can be provided on-site, virtually, or over the phone (OPI).

• Translation Services

  High-quality written translations for Spanish, Portuguese, and many other languages. We handle school-to-home communications, curriculum materials, video subtitling/dubbing, and English translations for district staff.

• Staff Training & Professional Development

  We provide ongoing training for staff on translation and interpretation best practices, language access guidelines, and advocacy surrounding family rights.

• Family Outreach & Accessibility

  We connect families directly to school life through accessible communication channels, ASL services, and customized accommodations for diverse accessibility needs.

Contact & Location Information

• Bernardo Llorente – Manager of Translation & Interpreting Services

• Sheila Camerini – Districtwide Portuguese Interpreter & Translator

• Emmy Segura – Districtwide Spanish Interpreter

• Address: 19 Flagg Drive, Suite 301, Framingham, MA 01702

• Phone: 508-626-9171

Welcome to the Multilingual Family Advisory Council!

The Multilingual Family Advisory Council is a collaborative group of families, caregivers, and school administrators working together to support students who speak more than one language. We believe families are essential partners in education, and every voice matters. Together, we strive to ensure that all students feel supported, included, and successful in school.

The Council strengthens meaningful partnerships between home and school for families of students who are currently or were previously identified as English Learners. This collaboration helps improve student achievement, support language development, and expand access to equitable educational opportunities.

Our Commitments

• A Welcoming Space: Ensuring all families feel welcome, respected, and heard.

• Clear Communication: Providing vital information in the languages that families understand and prefer.

• Targeted Support: Making sure students learning English receive the tools and resources they need to succeed.

• Shared Growth: Partnering with schools to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development.

What the Council Promotes

• Active Engagement: Meaningful family participation for multilingual and English learners, including students who have successfully exited English Learner status.

• Language Access: Universal access to important school updates and materials in families' preferred languages.

• A Seat at the Table: Opportunities for families to participate in school dialogue and district decision-making.

• Academic Excellence: Robust support for student success in both language development and daily academics.

How This Supports Our Students

All of our work is grounded in a student-centered approach, meaning we:

• Focus on helping students thrive both academically and personally.

• Nurture both academic learning and social-emotional well-being.

• Equip families with the tools and information needed to support learning at home.

• Continuously strengthen and improve the programs that serve our multilingual learners.

Through this work, we are building a school community where every student is supported, every family is valued, and every voice contributes to student success.

Family Sign-Up

We are currently creating a simplified online form to make registration quick and easy. Please check back soon to sign up!

Council Bylaws

• Estatuto do Conselho Consultivo de Pais Bilíngues de Framingham

• Estatutos del Consejo Asesor de Padres Bilingües de Framingham

• Bylaws of the Framingham Bilingual Parent Advisory Council

Welcome to the Dual Language Family Advisory Council!

The Dual Language Family Advisory Council (DLFAC) is a district-wide network led by and for caregivers and educators within Framingham Public Schools. Our mission is to ensure that Dual Language families have a strong, collaborative voice and a meaningful partnership in their children's bilingual education.

Together, we work to celebrate culture, support language development, and enrich the educational journey of our students.

What We Do

• Advocate for Excellence: We partner closely with school and district leaders to support high-quality Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) programs, clear communication, and robust family engagement.

• Build Community: We create fun, meaningful opportunities for families, educators, administrators, and students in Dual Language programs to connect through educational and community events.

• Share & Collaborate: We provide an open forum for families to share information, ask questions, and discuss topics of interest and importance to the Dual Language community.

Join Us!

We welcome all Dual Language Bilingual Education families to join us, share their unique voices, and help strengthen our programs and community!

We are currently creating a simplified online form to make registration quick and easy. Please check back soon to sign up!