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Support for English Learners
TEC Connections Academy (TECCA) is a vibrant, welcoming online community filled with learners with different experiences, perspectives, and language backgrounds. For learners whose first language isn't English, we've built a robust English as a Second Language (ESL) program, designed to help each learner become fully fluent and enable them to reach for success.
THE DETAILS
Our Program for ESL
The Multilanguage Learner (ML) Program at TECCA is comprehensive, immersive, and fully integrated with the school’s standard curriculum. The goal is for students to become fluent in English, mastering all four language domains:
- listening
- speaking
- reading
- writing
Students in this program are integrated into K–12 classrooms taught by Sheltered English Immersion teachers. Nearly all instruction and materials are in English but are designed especially for students who are learning the language. When necessary, teachers may use a minimal amount of the child’s native language.
Students who require more support can receive instruction from an ESL teacher in an additional English Learner Education course, which is tailored to the unique background and ability of each student. These additional courses are scheduled so that ML students don’t miss core content instruction in their general classes. For more details, please see this Quick Reference Guide.
Every year, ML students take an English language assessment test to determine whether they need to continue in the ML Program.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
How Caregiver Support Fuels Student Success
Parents (and caretakers) are an essential part of the TECCA community and play a key role in their child’s English language education. Parents stay connected through:
- newsletters, forms, and flyers sent to families in their home language
- two-way communication via in-person meetings, phone calls, email, Parent Square, and Baystate Interpreters
- our optional English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC), where they can connect with other parents, keep up with happenings at the school, and stay involved in their child’s education

OUR ESL EDUCATORS
Our Team
Our TECCA Multilanguage Learner teachers are dedicated, specialized, and certified so they can help students of all ages develop the English language skills needed for school and for life.
Our classroom teachers and Multilanguage Learner teachers meet frequently, working collaboratively to track each student’s progress and to make sure their needs are met. Multilanguage Learner teachers are included in all school department and leadership meetings so they can help families stay informed.
Jodi Anthony
K–12 ML Program Supervisor
Hasmik Hovanisian
ML Teacher 9–12
Angela Radez
ML Teacher K–5
Christina Sobran
ML Teacher 9–12
Dana Beliveau
ML Teacher 6–8
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Setting Our Students Up for Long-Term Success
When new students register at TECCA, families complete a Home Language Survey (included in the registration packet) in their native language. The Multilanguage Learner Program supervisor determines whether a student needs to be screened for English language proficiency.
TECCA communicates with parents in the language of their choice.
INITIAL SCREENING
Multilanguage Learner teachers at TECCA are trained in the administration and interpretation of the state-approved English language assessment, which evaluates each student’s level of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
PARENT NOTIFICATION
The results of this initial screening are shared with parents. If their student is identified as needing English language support, they will meet with an academic advisor, who will explain:
- the program’s methods of instruction
- how the program will help their student’s academic achievements and grade promotion
- standards for exiting the program
- parents’ rights and options under Massachusetts state law
ENGLISH FLUENCY
Empowering Students to Master the English Language
Students graduate the program once they become fluent in English.
Criteria for fluency include:
- accessing all instructional content without added support
- achieving a satisfactory score on the English language assessment test
- maintaining at least a C combined average across academic subjects (or comparable for grades K–3)
Teacher feedback is also considered. Parents may request that their student be withdrawn from the program at any time.

CONTINUED SUPPORT
Ensuring Students Continue to Thrive
We’re committed to making sure all our students have the support and tools they need to thrive, both inside and outside of the classroom. Our Multilanguage Learner teachers at TECCA stay engaged with students who have graduated from the program, continuing to monitor their academic progress for at least four years. If needed (or requested) students will be offered a tutor, or may reenter the program to ensure they receive appropriate support to thrive.
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