MORE ABOUT ELS

In accordance with the law, the Alpine Union School District administers the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) to all students whose Home Language Survey (completed upon initial enrollment) indicates that a language other than English is spoken by the student at home. The ELPAC is administered annually, at the beginning of each school year.

English Learner students are identified for services based upon their proficiency level on the ELPAC. Students that score Intermediate or below in any of the ELPAC domains (Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking) are provided with specific English Language Development instruction by a credentialed teacher for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. State-approved curriculum, differentiated instruction and Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) are used throughout the day to develop students' English language proficiency. Student progress is closely monitored.

Parent involvement is an important component of the English Learner program. The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meets throughout the school year. This committee monitors student progress, reviews the Annual Language Census and the Consolidated Application, and also provides training for parents on a variety of educational topics including "Helping Your Student At Home" and "Being Prepared for Parent/Teacher Conferences." School sites that have 21 or more identified English Learners also have a site-level English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC). This committee advises the School Site Council regarding programs and services at the school site. The purpose of both the DELAC and the ELAC is to facilitate and increase parent involvement for English Learners. Meeting agendas are posted throughout the district at least 72 hours prior to the meeting, and notices are sent home to parents of English Learners through the Wednesday Envelope.