English Language Development

The major goal for the District’s English Learners is to develop fluency in English as rapidly and effectively as possible and achieve academic success by meeting state content and performance standards. In order to meet this goal, the district provides a continuum of programs for the English Learner.

English Learners are placed in classes based on their English language proficiency as measured by the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC). Unless placed in an alternative program, based on parent request and the feasibility of the school offering such a program, all English Learners receive Structured English Immersion (SEI) program placements. Teachers differentiate instruction within the classroom according to student proficiency levels and academic needs.

The Structured English Immersion Program is a language acquisition program for English Learners in which nearly all classroom instruction is provided in English, but with curriculum and a presentation designed for students who are learning English. At a minimum, students are offered Designated ELD and provided access to grade level academic subject matter content with Integrated ELD.

Students are taught all aspects of English language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), and are also taught academic subjects in the core curriculum using Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE). Some materials and instruction in the student’s primary language may be used for support and clarification of concepts.

The district has adopted language reclassification criteria and procedures. These criteria and procedures shall be used to determine when the student has the necessary English language skills in order to succeed in English.

A student’s English Language Acquisition Status (ELAS) may be changed from English Learner (EL) to Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) when it can be established that the student has the English language skills necessary to comprehend, speak, read, and write, and make academic progress at a level substantially equivalent to that of students of the same age or grade, whose primary language is English.