The district offers several programs for students who are English learners. In all of the programs, English learners receive concentrated instruction in the use of the English language that is appropriate for their grade and English language proficiency level. Such instruction must be provided by a teacher with advanced training in special strategies to help students increase their English proficiency and learn academic subjects taught in English.
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the required state test for English language proficiency (ELP) that must be given to students whose primary language is a language other than English. State and federal law require that local educational agencies administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The California Department of Education (CDE) transitioned from the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) to the ELPAC as the state ELP assessment in 2018. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards. It consists of two separate ELP assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners (ELs), and a second for the annual summative assessment to measure a student's progress in learning English and to identify the student's level of ELP.
Click here for more information on the ELPAC
California State law requires that all English learners at the Elementary level are placed in an English language acquisition program that is appropriate for their grade and English proficiency level. The types of programs include:
- Structured English Immersion (SEI) designed for ELs who are new to English or at the early levels of English proficiency.
- English Language Mainstream (ELM) designed for ELs who have acquired reasonable fluency in English and are at higher levels of proficiency.
- Alternative Dual Language Programs where bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement and multicultural awareness is promoted. For more information visit Dual Language Programs.