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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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DELAC

What is DELAC?

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.

Why should I participate?

You can help shape the district's goals and ensure the voices of English Learner families are heard. Topics 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
ELAC

What is ELAC?
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. Topics include:

  • 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.

District English Learner Plan

 

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:

    • In elementary schools, students receive 30 minutes of focused English language instruction daily.
    • In middle and high schools, this instruction is offered as a full class period to help students develop advanced English skills.

  • Integrated ELD:
    Teachers include language development strategies in all subjects, helping students improve their English while learning grade-level content.

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.

Helping Students Succeed in School

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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 of preparing students through educational standards that promote the rich linguistic diversity in a global economy and a 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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Contacts

Marcela Brekke
Supervisor of EL & Migrant
(559) 274-4700 ext 10195
mbrekke@centralunified.org 

Tammy Kinnunen 
District English Learner
Support Coach 
(559) 274-4700, ext. 10155 
tkinnunen@centralunified.org  

Paula Younger
Educational Programs/Data Tech
(559) 274-4700 ext 10226
pyounger@centralusd.k12.ca.us

Martha Pagan
Administrative Assistant
(559) 274-4700 ext 10197
mpagan@centralusd.k12.ca.us 

English Learner Events

English Learner Services

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.

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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.