Green Elementary School ELAC October 27,2014 Sarah Ansari, ELD Specialist

Benefits of Multilingualism  Individuals who are bilingual switch between two different language systems.  Their brains are very active and flexible (Zelasko and Antunez, 2000). Research also shows that bilingual people have an easier time  understanding math concepts and solving word problems more easily (Zelasko and Antunez, 2000);  developing strong thinking skills (Kessler and Quinn,1980);  using logic (Bialystok and Majumder, as cited in Castro, Ayankoya, & Kasprzak, 2011);  focusing, remembering, and making decisions (Bialystok, 2001);  thinking about language (Castro et al., 2011); and  learning other languages ( Jessner, 2008).  In addition, research indicates that bilingualism may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (Dreifus, 2011).

How was my child identified as an English Learner?  Home Language Information  If parents indicate a student has a language other than English, or in addition to English in his or her background, the student must be given the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) test. LAU ET AL. v. NICHOLS ET AL. SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES December 10, 1973, Argued January 21, 1974, Decided The failure of the San Francisco school system to provide English language instruction to approximately 1,800 students of Chinese ancestry who do not speak English, or to provide them with other adequate instructional procedures, denies them a meaningful opportunity to participate in the public educational program…

California English Language Development Test - CELDT The CELDT is a test of English skills in the following areas:  Listening  Speaking  Reading  Writing  Purpose Of CELDT Test: -Identify students who are English Learners -Determine the level of English level proficiency -Assess the progress of English Learner students

CELDT SCORES An initially proficient CELDT score is overall Early Advanced or higher, with no more than one subtest score of Intermediate. *Note: K/1 Listening & Speaking only

LEP/English Learner Status When a student is given the CELDT test for the first time, he/she is designated as one of the following: Not Limited English Proficient (English Fluent) (if a passing CELDT score is achieved) English Learner/Limited English Proficient (LEP) (until all reclassification requirements have been met) *Note: Kindergarteners, 1 st, and 2 nd graders will continue to be designated as English learners until they take the CELDT test in 3 rd grade, even if they are performing well academically.

Parent Notification of Assessment Parents will be notified of official CELDT scores when we receive them back from the state (usually in January )

Reclassification Requirements In order for a student to be reclassified as English proficient, all of the following requirements must be met: Passing score on CELDT(early advanced or advanced) Academic performance at or above grade-level standards Teacher recommendation Parent notification and consultation This process can begin as early as 3 rd grade.

Parent Notification of Reclassification Parents will receive this notification when their child has met all of the requirements to be reclassified as English fluent. No further action is necessary if parents approve of this action. If parents have questions or concerns, they may contact EL Support Services to discuss their child’s reclassification.

Single Plan for Student Success at Green English Learner Services California English Language Development Test (CELDT) English Language Development Support Teacher (small groups support to students and strategies/information shared with teacher) Integrated activities to support understanding Computer Use Staff Credentials and Training (CLAD/ELD)

What is the role of ELAC? Purpose of ELAC Each California public school from K-12 with 21 or more English Learners must form a functional English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC). The ELAC a committee for parents and other community members who want to advocate for English Learners. The committee reviews and comments on the following: The school’s program for English Learners The school’s needs assessment. The school’s annual language census (R-30 LC Report) Efforts to make parents aware of the importance of regular student attendance. Elects at lease one member to the DLAC

Get Involved  DELAC December 4, PM at the District Office at 7471 Larkdale Avenue Dublin  Parent Night November 19 th and 20 th 6:30 P.M-8:30 P.M. at Dublin High School (informative workshops)  Latino Family Night on December 11 th 7:00-8:30 P.M at Wells Middle School  Next ELAC meeting at Green, January, 2015 (Date TBD)

Feedback from you Please use the index cards to write down contact info and questions if you’d like a response. What questions do you still have? What would you like to hear about at our next meeting? Do you have feedback about this morning’s presentation?

Thank you for coming!