Description:

The Multidisciplinary Education, Training, and Support (METS) program is designed to meet the linguistic and academic needs of recently arrived English Learners (ELs) who are identified as Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE). This study describes 1) how the elementary METS program in MCPS is being implemented, 2) examined growth in English language development (ELD) and performance within reading and mathematics, among the current and former elementary METS students, and 3) identified areas needing improvement. Descriptive statistics and content analyses of qualitative information were used to summarize information on the students enrolled in the program from 2015 to 2020 and on the structure of METS as implemented, successful elements, challenges, and areas needing improvement.

Recommendations:

• Clarify and update the guidelines for identifying ELs with interrupted education at the elementary level.
• Institute and communicate a clear plan for compacting and accelerating instruction for elementary ELs with interrupted education
• Increase staffing allocation as well as the levels of expertise of staff in the METS classrooms.
• Provide increased role-specific and ongoing professional development offerings related to instruction for ELs for all staff.
   

File Name: METS Report December final.pdf (2.5MB PDF)