Jefferson Elementary School District Master Plan for English Learners

There is no equality of treatment merely by providing students with the same facilities, textbooks, teachers and curriculum for students who do not understand English are effectively foreclosed from any meaningful education.- Justice William O. Douglas

Vision

v     Maintain an atmosphere where children are allowed and encouraged to think, and where there is an emphasis on teaching for understanding in all curriculum areas.

v     Establish the highest standards of excellence appropriate for each student.

v     Continue to work on grade level expectancies K-8 with articulation between and within grade levels.

v     Assist students and staff to become lifelong readers of literature.

v     Maintain consistent, firm and fair discipline procedures that encourage respect for all individuals.

v     Promote school spirit and self-esteem.

v     Emphasize open, direct, and positive communication for staff, students, and community members.

v     Provide assistance for all students, staff and community members to reach toward the Jefferson mission of WE TOUCH THE FUTURE.

Mission

WE CARE

about academic achievement,

high self-esteem,

and good citizenship for every student.

WE SHARE

the responsibility for helping children

become well-adjusted individuals.

WE DARE

to be the best school community we can be.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to clearly explain the various program options for English learners.  We are proud to offer our English learners the following educational pathways:

Ø      Structured English Immersion

Ø      English Mainstream with Support Program

Ø      Mainstream Program

Ø      English Language Development (ELD)

Ø      Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE)

Ø      Primary Language Support

Each of these programs is designed for students who present a certain linguistic and educational profile.  In this way each district student is enrolled in a course of study and learning program that meets his/her diagnosed language and academic needs.

This Master Plan for English Learners is meant to create a coherent and consistent system that crosses school and cultural boundaries.  The primary goal of the program is to address the requirements of the state of California in relation to the needs of its language minority students.  Our Districts programs for English learners do not detract from their native culture or cause them to forget or reject their heritage.  Instead, each of the program is designed to provide successful integration into the American mainstream and to offer immigrant children expanded opportunities and the ability to pursue their lifes aspirations.  Fluency in another language may provide a significant advantage, but lack of literacy in English represents a crippling disadvantage in our global economy.

This working draft is intended to be reviewed by teachers and administrators and updated annually as subject to changes in state and federal law.