English Learners
Multilingualism: An Asset for Success
Being multilingual is a tremendous asset that provides academic, cultural, and future career benefits. The goal of both the State of California and Glendale Unified School District is to help every student develop high levels of English proficiency while valuing and building upon the linguistic and cultural assets they bring to school.
Glendale Unified School District takes pride in its multilingual students and is committed to supporting their success in English while honoring their home languages and cultures. Students who enter GUSD speaking a language other than English have the opportunity to develop strong English language skills while maintaining and strengthening proficiency in their home language. We encourage all students to take advantage of the many opportunities available throughout the district to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competence. We look forward to recognizing eligible graduates through the California State Seal of Biliteracy and other district biliteracy recognitions.
Language Acquisition Programs for English Leaners
California law requires school districts to offer, at a minimum, a Structured English Immersion (SEI) program for English learners. Glendale Unified School District offers the following language acquisition program options. Parents and guardians may select the program that best meets their child's educational needs.
- Structured English Immersion (SEI) Program: A language acquisition program for English learners in which nearly all classroom instruction is provided in English, with appropriate supports and strategies designed to make academic content accessible while students develop English proficiency. Instruction is aligned to the California English Language Development Standards and grade-level academic content standards. Students receive both Designated and Integrated English Language Development instruction.
- English Language Mainstream (ELM) Program: A language acquisition program designed for English learners and native English speakers. Students receive instruction aligned to the California English Language Development Standards and grade-level academic content standards. English learners receive both Designated and Integrated English Language Development instruction while participating in core academic instruction with their peers.
- Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program: A language acquisition program that provides instruction in English and a partner language for both native English speakers and speakers of the partner language. The goals of the program are high academic achievement, bilingualism and biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding. Participation in Dual Language Immersion programs is subject to application procedures and space availability. Program offerings vary by school and language.
Parent Requests for Language Acquisition Programs
Under California Education Code Section 310(a), when the parents or guardians of 30 or more students at a school, or 20 or more students in the same grade level, request a specific language acquisition program, the school shall be required to offer such a program to the extent possible. (20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(3)(A)(viii)(III); EC § 310(a))
Parents or guardians who would like to request a language acquisition program that is not currently offered at their school may submit an oral or written request to the school office for consideration.
For additional information about language acquisition programs and services for English learners, please contact your school office or the Glendale Unified School District Educational Services Department.
Language Acquisition Programs for English Leaners
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When a student first enrolls in a California public school, a parent or guardian completes a Home Language Survey (HLS) as part of the enrollment process. Based on the responses provided on the HLS, the student may be required to take the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (Initial ELPAC).
The Initial ELPAC is used to determine whether a student is proficient in English or may benefit from additional support in developing English language skills. Based on the assessment results, students may be identified as either Initially Fluent English Proficient (IFEP) or English Learners (ELs).
Students identified as IFEP are considered proficient in English and do not receive English Learner services. Students identified as English Learners receive English Language Development (ELD) instruction and appropriate support services designed to help them develop English proficiency and achieve academic success. These services are provided during the regular school day and are tailored to the student's English language proficiency level.
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Students who are identified as English Learners receive English Language Development (ELD) instruction to help them develop the English language skills needed for success in school and beyond. California requires that English Learners receive both Designated ELD and Integrated ELD instruction until they meet the state's criteria for reclassification as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP).
ELD instruction is aligned to the California English Language Development Standards and is designed to help students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Through ELD instruction, students build both academic and everyday language skills that support achievement across all subject areas and prepare them for college, career, and lifelong success.
English Learner services are provided during the regular school day and are intended to ensure that students have equitable access to rigorous academic content while continuing to develop English proficiency.
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Designated English Language Development (ELD) instruction is targeted classroom instruction that focuses on developing students' receptive language skills (listening and reading) as well as their productive language skills (speaking and writing).
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The State of California requires four criteria for students to meet in order to reclassify:
- English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC)
- Teacher Evaluation
- Parent Opinion and Consultation
- Comparison of Performance in Basic Skills