Students Who Are Multicultural, Multilingual, Newcomers, or SLIFE

Understanding the Challenge

Schools across the District welcome students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs. Language barriers, cultural disconnection, and frustration with unfamiliar systems often contribute to chronic absenteeism. When a child is missing school, it’s essential to ask why—and to consider that cultural adjustment or a lack of access to resources might be part of the answer.

Support for SLIFE Students

Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) have faced significant disruptions in their learning due to external factors such as:

• The student came from another country, where they worked instead of attending school
• The student never entered school due to extreme poverty, mobility, or circumstance
• The student did not have access to formal education

These educational gaps can lead to academic struggles that can be misinterpreted. For example, students may not qualify for special education services, despite their genuine challenges. Recognizing the impact of interrupted education—rather than assuming a disability—is key to providing the right support.

Strategies & Supports