Introduction to MLS (Multilingual SIFE screener)

The Multilingual SIFE Screener (MLS) is an assessment tool developed to support the identification of Students with Interrupted/Inconsistent Formal Education (SIFE) who are newly enrolled in schools in New York State. The screener is designed specifically for multilingual learners and helps educators understand a student’s academic skills in their strongest language rather than relying solely on English-language assessments. This distinction is important because a student’s limited English proficiency may not accurately reflect their true academic abilities or educational background. The MLS evaluates key literacy and mathematics skills through assessments that are administered in a variety of languages. By measuring reading comprehension, vocabulary, foundational literacy skills, and mathematics knowledge, the screener provides valuable information about a student’s prior educational experiences and current academic readiness. The assessment is intended to identify students who may have experienced significant interruptions in their formal schooling due to factors such as migration, displacement, conflict, economic hardship, or limited access to educational opportunities. Results from the MLS are used alongside other components of the SIFE identification process, including interviews, writing assessments, and English language proficiency measures. Together, these tools help educators determine whether a student meets the criteria for SIFE designation and requires specialized instructional supports. The information gathered through the MLS enables schools to make informed decisions about placement, intervention, and program services. By recognizing students’ strengths and educational needs, educators can develop targeted instructional plans that promote academic success and language development. Ultimately, the Multilingual SIFE Screener serves as an important tool for ensuring equitable educational opportunities for multilingual learners with interrupted or inconsistent formal education.