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English Learner (EL) Information

This page provides information about English learner identification, reclassification, parent involvement, and key English learner plans and resources.

EL Identification

Home Language Survey

The parent completes a Home Language Survey for each child upon registration at Jefferson School District. The school secretary is responsible for giving a copy of the registration form to the English learner coordinator and entering the home language information into the district student database.

Any response other than English to questions 1, 2, and/or 3 on the survey means that the student lives in a home where a language other than English is spoken and is considered a potential English learner. The student must be tested for English proficiency. The site administrator will oversee the placement of the student in the appropriate classroom setting.

If English is the only language reported on the Home Language Survey, the student is designated English only and no further language assessment is required.

If a language other than English is reported on the Home Language Survey, question 4, “Name the language most often spoken by adults at home,” then the student is assessed for appropriate language program placement.

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EL Reclassification

The Reclassification Process

  • The reclassification process occurs annually in the fall of each year. It is initiated and conducted by the EL instructional aide and site administration. The redesignation of newly enrolled EL students may take place throughout the year.
  • The EL instructional aide will initially screen potential students for reclassification by identifying those meeting or exceeding the district reclassification criteria.
  • The decision to reclassify based on formal and informal observation is made by the site team, which includes the classroom teacher, instruction aide, principal or vice-principal, parents, and student.

Jefferson School District Reclassification Criteria

To be considered for reclassification, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Demonstrate English language proficiency with an overall score of 4 on the ELPAC.
  2. Demonstrate academic proficiency by earning a 3 or 4 on the ELA CAASPP Summative Assessment or earning an “above benchmark” score on the DIBELS assessment.
  3. Demonstrate academic proficiency in classroom work by achieving a grade of “C” or better in Reading and Language Arts.
  4. Teacher and Principal recommendation; parent opinion and consultation.

The Reclassification Follow-Up Review

Students who have been reclassified to R-FEP status have their academic performance reviewed by the site in the third trimester of the year of classification, as well as after one year of reclassification. The follow-up process is conducted by the bilingual instructional aide and involves the review of achievement through scores and grades at a level equal to the average English-only student population.

Reclassified students not maintaining academic progress retain their R-FEP status, but must be provided additional remedial instruction available to students in the regular program in order to address the specific areas of underachievement. They shall be provided opportunities for interventions such as bilingual resource assistance, extended day, and/or summer school.

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EL Parent Involvement

Parent Involvement

Active parental involvement benefits students by increasing their academic achievement, improving behavior, lowering absenteeism, instilling a positive school attitude, and improving work habits. Parents of EL students need to be informed of their student’s academic program and assist school staff in developing the best environment for their student’s success.

Each school will convene an annual meeting to which all parents of EL students will be welcomed and informed of the school’s programs.

Regular communication is very important. Correspondence should be in the parent’s home language. School district notices shall be translated into Spanish or other languages as needed. Interpreters will also be provided as needed for conferences, SSTs, and IEP meetings.

School English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

(CCR EL, Item 9)

Each school with 21 or more EL students on the annual R-30 Language Census must have a functioning school ELAC which is legally constituted by an election of members. The site administrator is designated as the coordinator of the ELAC. The elected president will conduct the meetings.

The mission of the ELAC shall be to assist in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of the English learners instructional program for the school. It will also provide parent education opportunities and parent trainings to become effective parents in their child’s education.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

(CCR EL, Item 9)

A DELAC shall be established whenever 51 or more English learners are enrolled in the school district. One representative from each school ELAC shall be selected to serve on the DELAC. The mission of DELAC shall be to assist in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of the overall district English learners instructional program.

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EL Plan and Title III Budget

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