Parent Training Responsibilities of the Academic English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

“ Parent involvement is most successful when it is viewed, practiced and promoted as a partnership between the home and the school”

When does an ELAC Committee need to be established? Whenever there are 21 or more Academic English Learners at a school there shall be a functioning ELAC. (EC )

 It is a means for parents to receive training.  It is a means for parents to receive information on programs and their effectiveness.  It is a way for parents to participate.  It is a way to become aware of student academic progress.  Parents have an opportunity to ask key questions regarding educational themes and issues.  It is a way for parents to exercise leadership before district and site staff, and students.  Parents have an active voice in the education of their children.

 Advise the principal and school staff on the school’s program for Academic English learners.  Advise the School Site Council on the development of the Single School Plan for Student Achievement. AEL Contact Note: ELAC Meeting Parent Advice SSC Meeting Minutes from BOTH meetings must reflect this.

 Assist in the development of the school’s  Needs assessment  Language census  Efforts to make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.

President  Develop agendas with principal or designee.  Conduct the ELAC meetings. Vice-President  Assist the president in conducting the meetings.  Conduct meetings in the absence of the president.

Secretary  Attend ELAC meetings.  Take notes during the meeting and prepare the minutes. DELAC Representative  Attend DELAC meetings.  Issue a report of the DELAC meeting at ELAC meetings.

 Elect members to the committee. NOTE: ELAC member candidates understand expectations for the position.  Elect at least one representative to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). The DELAC representative is NOT automatically the ELAC president.  Participate in the trainings provided by the site.

 With ELAC members, arrange dates and locations for the meetings.  Work with parents on this, as this is really their meeting and not ours. They should determine the best time/s for their meetings.  Work with ELAC members to develop meeting agendas.  This can be done with a parent survey or by asking for training suggestions during a meeting.  We recommend that on each agenda, Topics for future agendas” is listed as an agenda item, so that the site can document that trainings are planned in consultation with parents.  Provide training to help parents carry out their responsibilities as a committee.  Ensure that all legal requirements are completed each year.

 Ensure that parents have an opportunity to elect ELAC members, and choose at least one DELAC representative.  Notify the parents of the upcoming meetings and announce them publicly 72 hours in advance.  May support ELAC meetings by providing as needed: An interpreter whenever necessary Childcare Transportation Meals Training

Unity creates power, and by working together as parents and educators, we can ensure a quality learning environment for our English Learners.