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Parents » English Learner Advisory Committee

English Learner Advisory Committee

Requirement
 
Each California public school, grades kindergarten through 12, with 21 or more English learners (ELs) must form an English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).
 
Responsibilities
  1. The ELAC shall be responsible for advising the principal and staff on programs and services for English learners and the School Site Council on the development of the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).
  2. The ELAC shall assist the school in the development of:
    • The school's needs assessment.
    • The school's annual language census.
    • Ways to make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.
 
Composition Requirements
 
Requirements for ELAC elections include:
 
  1. Parents of English learners comprise at least the same percentage of the ELAC membership as English learners constitute of the school’s total student population. For example, if 25 percent of the students in a school are English learners, then parents/guardians of English learners must comprise 25 percent of the ELAC membership.
  2. Other members of the ELAC can be parents/guardians, school staff, and /or community members as long as the minimum percentage requirement for EL parents is maintained.
Elections
 
  1. Parents or guardians of English learners must have an opportunity to elect the parent members to serve on the ELAC or subcommittee.
  2. Each ELAC shall have the opportunity to elect at least one member to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC).
  3. Districts with 31 or more ELACs may use a system of proportional or regional representation.
Training
 
The district shall provide for all ELAC members:
 
  1. Appropriate training and materials to assist each member carry out his or her legally required advisory responsibilities.
  2. Training planned in full consultation with ELAC members.
  3. Economic Impact Aid-Limited English Proficient and/or district funds may be used to cover costs of training and attendance of ELAC members. This may include costs for child care, translation services, meals, transportation, training cost, and other reasonable expenses.
 
Legal References
 
  • California Education Code, sections 35147 (c), 52176 (b), and (c), 62002.5, and 64001 (a)
  • California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 11308 (b), (c), and (d)
  • 20 United States Code Section 6312 (g)(4)
 
The purpose of EL education programs is to provide eligible students the opportunity to acquire the English language skills necessary for successful participation in an English-Only instructional program. This purpose is accomplished through various structured English immersion models and primary language support. A Home Language Survey and an individualized language assessment determine eligibility (classification as limited English-Proficient [LEP]) for the program. Students are transitioned into an English-Only program when they meet district-established criteria for reclassification as Fluent-English proficient (RFEP). An English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) must be established and participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the local school EL program. EL programs receive funding from the State. Under state law, the ELAC has the responsibility for the following duties:
 
  • Advise the principal, school staff, and school site council of the needs of English Learners, including support of their instructional needs.
  • Advise the principal, school staff, and school site council on the development of the school plan and budget.
  • Review the results of the completed R-30 Language Census Report. Advise the principal and staff on any program changes that result from this review.
  • Advise and assist the principal in conducting the district/school’s needs assessment. Review findings and advise the school principal and staff of any program modifications.
  • Advise the principal on ways to make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.
  • Elect a representative to the District English Learner Advisory Committee