Welcome to the English Learner Department
Our mission is to support English Learners on their path to success by providing meaningful learning opportunities in collaboration with our school communities. We believe that all students deserve the chance to develop strong English skills while mastering academic content.
Our vision is that every teacher works strategically to meet the language needs of English Learners, helping them grow their knowledge and achieve advanced levels of English proficiency. Together, we are committed to cultivating multilingual learners who thrive academically and beyond.
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District English Learner Plan
The Central Unified School District Master Plan for English Learners will operate under the guiding principles of the California English Learner Roadmap. The four key principles of the Roadmap guide our work, with the aim to prepare students through educational standards that promote the rich linguistic diversity in a global economy and culture of learning, innovation and advanced technology.
Our district is excited to announce that the English Learner Plan will be updated in Spring 2025 to reflect our continued commitment to supporting the success and growth of our English Learners.
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Helping English Learners Succeed in Our Schools
Our district supports English Learners (ELs) through a Structured English Immersion (SEI) program that combines two types of English Language Development (ELD): Designated ELD and Integrated ELD.
Designated ELD focuses on teaching specific English skills like listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Integrated ELD helps students use those skills in everyday lessons and activities across all subjects. Together, these approaches ensure students build strong English skills and succeed academically.
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Identification of English Learners
In our district, identifying English Learners begins with the Home Language Survey completed during enrollment. If another language is spoken at home, the student takes the Initial ELPAC to assess their English skills. Based on the results, students are classified as English Learners (ELs) or Initially Fluent English Proficient (IFEP). This process ensures students receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially.

For more detailed information about the Initial ELPAC, please visit the Starting Smarter ELPAC website.
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Moving from English Learner to Fluent English Proficient
Reclassification is how English Learners (ELs) in our district are determined to be fluent in English and ready to succeed without extra language support. This process uses several steps to make sure students are fully prepared:
- Scoring an Overall 4 (Well-Developed) on the Summative ELPAC.
- Meeting grade-level standards on state and district assessments.
- Receiving a teacher evaluation showing strong classroom performance.
- Having a parent consultation to finalize the decision.
After reclassification, students are monitored for four years to ensure they continue to do well. This process shows our dedication to helping English Learners succeed in school and beyond.
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EL Teacher Program
Our EL teacher program serves eight schools through a push-in model, where EL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to deliver lessons that combine language and content objectives. They also provide instructional support and co-develop materials. Schools in the program include Biola, Hanh Phan Tilley, Harvest, Madison, McKinley, Roosevelt, Steinbeck, and Teague Elementary.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Our EL Department offers districtwide and site-based professional development tailored to the needs of educators. Topics include integrating ELD standards with content, strategies for Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) and Newcomers, and ELPAC preparation. Trainings are customized to site requests and goals.
Multilingual Success Network
The Multilingual Success Network (MSN) connects eight schools in a shared mission to improve outcomes for English Learners. MSN schools engage in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), implement improvement cycles, and receive targeted coaching and resources to strengthen Designated and Integrated ELD instruction.
Newcomer Support
Our district’s Newcomer teacher supports elementary Newcomer students with direct instruction and develops resources for classroom teachers, ensuring all students receive tailored language support.
Needing Newcomer support in your classroom? Please submit a Newcomer EL Teacher Request Form. Our EL Teacher will respond to provide you with support.
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We encourage all parents of English Learners to get involved in ELAC and DELAC to make a positive impact on our students and schools!
What is ELAC?
The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) is a school-based group of parents, teachers, and staff dedicated to supporting English Learners. ELAC also provides a space for parents to share their input, ask questions, and learn about ways to support their child's academic success.
ELAC advises the school on topics such as:
- Programs and services for English Learners.
- The school’s efforts to improve student outcomes, including the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).
- Building a welcoming and supportive school community for English Learners and their families.
What is DELAC?
The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) is a district-level committee made up of representatives from each school’s ELAC. DELAC provides parents the opportunity to work with district leaders to ensure the needs of English Learners are met. By participating in DELAC, parents can help shape the district’s goals and ensure the voices of English Learner families are heard.
Topics discussed include:
- Development of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for English Learners.
- Districtwide programs and services for English Learners.
- Training for parents to understand and participate in decision-making.