change the label of English Language Learners to Multilingual Students.

The term English Language Learner carries negative connotations and does not value the other languages and cultures that students come from. This can negatively impact students’ self esteem and academic performance. The students of Seven Hills Charter Public School decided instead to propose the adoption of the label Multilingual Students. The strengths-based label highlights the fact that being bilingual is a highly desired and valuable skill. It more accurately represents their intelligence and abilities and enables students to see themselves in a more positive light than the deficit based ELL label. By successfully advocating to change the label, students were able to significantly impact school culture. This has also led to an increase in students’ confidence, ambition, and resiliency.