MLL (Multilingual Learner)

The SPPS Office of Multilingual Learning offers English language Development to qualifying students in a multi-tiered manner. Instruction of ELs in Saint Paul Public Schools is the shared responsibility of many, including EL teachers, classroom or content teachers and specialists, and bilingual educational assistants. The current instructional model has shifted from focusing primarily on reading instruction to an explicit focus on academic language development within content areas. SPPS MLL programs are shaped by the language as action perspective and engage students in well supported, significant, and authentic activity that develop academic autonomy over time. Language as action complements the rigorous expectations laid out in the Common Core State Standards.

Here at Johnson High School, students who are eligible for MLL services are placed by their counselors in appropriate courses. ELs receive language instruction and support in science, language arts, social studies, and math.  Students have access to additional language support through English Language Development (ELD) classes.  For the 2025-2026 school year, our course offerings include co-taught classes in:

• English 9, English10, English 11, English 12
• World History, Human Geography, US History, US Government, & Economics
• Integrated Math 1 and Integrated Math 3
• Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry
• Health

All content classes follow a co-taught model where both language and content experts are available to support students in academic and language achievement. 

ELs will also offer dedicated English language classes in all grade levels including ELD 9, ELD 10, ELD 11 and ELD 12.

For more information on SPPS' secondary model, please follow this link.