ELD

EL Learner Goals

  • Ensure that English learners acquire full proficiency in English as rapidly and effectively as possible and attain parity with native speakers of English.

  • Ensure that English learners, within a reasonable period of time, achieve the same rigorous grade-level academic standards that are expected of all students.

Meeting these two goals will help close the achievement gap that separates English learners from their native English-speaking peers. In order to accomplish these goals, all English learners are provided with English language development (ELD) instruction targeted to their English proficiency level and appropriate academic instruction in one of three settings:

  • Structured English Immersion (SEI)—A classroom setting where English learners who have not yet acquired reasonable fluency in English, as defined by the school district, receive instruction through an English language acquisition process, in which nearly all classroom instruction is in English but with a curriculum and presentation designed for children who are learning the language.

  • English Language Mainstream (ELM)—A classroom setting for English learners who have acquired reasonable fluency in English, as defined by the school district. In addition to ELD instruction, English learners continue to receive additional and appropriate educational services in order to recoup any academic deficits that may have been incurred in other areas of the core curriculum as a result of language barriers.

Alternative Program (Alt)—A language acquisition process in which English learners receive ELD instruction targeted to their English proficiency level and academic subjects are taught in the primary language, as defined by the school district. Placement in an alternative program is triggered by the parents through a parental exception waiver.

ELPAC Testing

Identifying students who need help learning English is important so these students can get the support they need to do well in English language arts/literacy, mathematics, science, and other subject areas in school. The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or “ELPAC,” are the tests used to measure how well students understand English when it is not the language they speak at home. Information from the ELPAC tells your child’s teacher about the areas in which your child needs extra support. 

In the spring, your child will take the following test:

  • ELPAC Summative Assessment

More About the ELPAC

Students in grade 9-12, who are classified as English learners, will take the ELPAC Summative Assessment every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English. Students are tested on their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 

To learn more about the ELPAC, please read the Parent Guide to Understanding the ELPAC, which can be found on the CDE Parent Guide to Understanding the ELPAC Web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ep/documents/elpacparentguide.pdf.

The ELPAC practice tests are another good resource. They can be found on the ELPAC Web site at https://www.elpac.org, where parents and students can see the kinds of questions that will be on the test.

If you have any questions about your child taking the ELPAC, please contact Toni Frazier, Assistant Principal, [email protected].

 

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