What is the English Learner Program?

The English Learner Program is designed to support students who are exposed to a language other than English at home, until they are able to show proficiency in English.

GUSD's objective for English Language Learners is for students to develop proficiency in English rapidly and effectively, so they will be able to keep up academically with their English-only peers.

How Does A Student Become An English Learner?

1. During the enrollment process, a Home Language Survey is completed by the parent/guardian.
2. If a student is exposed (hearing or speaking) to a language other than English in the home, an appointment is set up at the Welcome Center in the District Office to assess the age appropriate English literacy skills of the student in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
3. If English is the only language the student is exposed to in the home, she/he is identified as English only and does not require additional English Learner services. 

What Happens After Testing At The Welcome Center?

The results of the student’s Language Testing in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, at the Welcome Center, will determine the appropriate language placement program for the student.

• If a student tests at a level of limited English literacy skills, the student will be placed into EL Program 1.
• If a student tests at a level of reasonably fluent English literacy skills, the student will probably be placed into EL Program 2.
• If a student tests at a level of advanced English literacy skills, the student will probably be identified as a Fluent English Proficient student, and they will not need an EL support program.

Once the instructionally appropriate placement is made, parents will be notified, through mail, of the language placement for their child.

What Services Do ELD Level 1-4 Students Receive?

Students identified as EL learners receive the following services;

• Two daily periods of English instruction 
• Instructionally appropriate language program placement and monitoring by Teacher Specialist
• English Language Proficiency Assessment to assess annual student growth
• Parent notification of results of English Language Proficiency Assessment communicated to parents through Q portal
• Semesterly assessment of progress by the ELD teacher
• Annual updates of ELD progress using District Data systems by Teacher Specialist
• Regular ELD scaffolding/differentiating of instruction by all core classroom teachers
• Designated ELD 2 hour blocks of language development in communication and writing for ELD Level 1 and 2 students
• Designed ELD class for Levels 3 and 4
• Integrated English classes beginning at Level 3
• Parent notification of placement and program/schedule changes
• Parent consultation prior to reclassification
• Student and family meetings to discuss progress with Teacher Specialist

What happens when a student reaches Level 3?

Beginning at Level 3, Toll provides access to English classes, in addition to an ELD class, for most ELD students.  Students will continue with an English and ELD class until a student qualifies for Reclassification out of ELD.

What happens when a student reaches Level 4?

Once a student reaches a level 4 ELD class, they will continue each year as a level 4 bridging student until he/she meets Reclassification criteria.  

When Will A Student Move Out of the EL Program or be Reclassified?

• Students will move out of the EL Program at their own pace.  This pace could take as little as under one year for some, and several years for others. Once the student has illustrated proficiency, or close to proficiency, in various language assessment areas, they will be reclassified, or moved out of the EL Program.
• Language Assessments used for Reclassification include; English Language Proficiency Assessment California Scores, Report Card Grades in English and ELD, CAASPP/MAP Assessment scores in English, writing scores, and Parent input. Students performing at a proficient/well developed, or close to proficient level, in these areas will be considered as strong candidates for Reclassification. All data is submitted to the District office, pending approval.
• Upon district approval, notification of reclassification is provided for families and students are provided a certificate and pin to wear for eighth grade promotion.

Why hasn't my child exited the ELD program (Reclassified) yet?

The goal of GUSD is for all ELD students to exit ELD as quickly as possible, and the California goal is for students to exit ELD within five to six years.  All students qualify to exit based on the aforementioned criteria. Hence, once the criteria are met, the student qualifies for reclassification. Most students exit the ELD program within five years. However, the timeline is individual and based on student progress in literacy skills.

What if my child has been in ELD for over five years?

According to the State of California, if a student has been in ELD for over six years, they are considered a Long Term English Learner and may need additional literacy intervention.  Toll offers ELD designated support classes for all ELD students, regardless of how many years a student has been in the ELD program.  

If you have any questions regarding the ELD program or your child's progress in ELD, please contact Ms. Anna Yegiyants, the ELD Specialist, at AYegiyants@gusd.net.