Jenna Weinert
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
(619) 445-3236 ext. 815

The purpose of the English Language Learner (ELL) program is to facilitate the development of English language skills for students whose primary language is not English as identified by the Home Language Survey (completed upon initial enrollment) which indicated that a language other than English is spoken by the student at home.

In accordance with the law, the Alpine Union School District administers the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessment (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 Initial ELPAC is administered at the beginning of the school year to newly enrolled students in a California school.  In addition to the Initial ELPAC, the Summative ELPAC is administered to every English Language Learner in the spring of each school year.

English Language Learner students are identified for services based upon their proficiency level on the ELPAC. Students who 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 who 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 via email.