EL – English Learners
Programs for language minority students must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Civil Rights Act states:
“Where inability to speak and understand the English language excludes national origin-minority group children from effective participation in the educational program offered by a school district, the district must take affirmative steps to rectify the language deficiency in order to open its instructional program to these students.”
Also in effect is the 1974 Supreme Court Lau vs. Nichols decision that states:
“No state shall deny equal educational opportunity to an individual on account of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin, by the failure by an educational agency to take appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation by its students in its instructional programs.”
Under these laws, school districts have a continuing obligation to provide equal educational opportunities to language minority students.
With over 100 different languages spoken by our district students and families, Elk Grove Unified School District recognizes and celebrates the rich language and cultural diversity that our students bring to all of our schools. We are teaching 10,064 (2017 Language Census) students who are learning English, presenting an exciting opportunity for the district to nurture and expand the diverse student population who are ultimately ready for college and careers after enjoying a K-12 educational experience with us.
The Department of English Learner Services employs committed, motivated and knowledgeable staff who assist schools, the district, and parents with understanding and implementing programs and policies that support EL students and their families including:
- Applying effective identification, student placement, and communication policies and procedures.
- Implementing instructional programs and professional learning opportunities, designed to meet EL student needs and ensure access to rigorous curriculum and research based instructional classroom practices, to create safe, vibrant, and effective learning environments.
- Ensuring ongoing support and monitoring of student progress.
- Engaging parents of EL students in district and school site planning, learning, and governing activities.
- Providing interpretation and translation services to parents and schools, and primary language assistance to students.
- Administering annual reclassification activities and celebrations of developing biliteracy.
