District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

• Proposed Calendar and Agenda Items 2009-10

English Learner Program

• English Learner Program Report
• English Learner Program Presentation (PowerPoint)
• Master Plan for English Learners

English Language Testing/Screening (CELDT) is by appointment only.

*Appointments are made by school/office personnel after completion of enrollment.

**Parents should contact their school of enrollment for information and instructions regarding completion of enrollment and registration.

Timely Topics for Parents 2009-10

ELD Newcomers' Program

• Letter to Parents Regarding ELD Newcomers' Program
  • Chinese
  • English
  • Farsi
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Spanish
• Newcomers' Program Sites, Gr. K-12
• Newcomers' Program, Gr. 9-12

English Learner Program

• English Learner Program Descriptions Elementary, Gr. K-6
• English Learner Program Descriptions Secondary, Gr. 7-12

FAQ'S Regarding English Testing at Enrollment

Parent Classes:

• Community Based English Tutoring (CBET)

  • CBET Course Schedule

  • CBET Course Description, Gr. K-6

  • CBET Course Description, Gr. 7-12

  • CBET Course Schedule Grades 7-12

Annual Parent Notification Letters

• English
• Korean
• Mandarin
• Japanese
• Farsi

THE NEWCOMERS PROGRAM

General Informaton:

In the Newcomer classrooms, students with very limited or no English proficiency are given an opportunity to develop their ability to listen, comprehend and produce the sounds of their new language. All subject areas of the curriculum are taught using special teaching strategies. Students benefit socially and academically in this supportive environment prior to placement in the regular classroom. Statistics indicate that students with little or no English progress faster and are more successful in their academics after having participated in the Newcomers Program.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION

NEWCOMERS PROGRAM

In the fall of 1984, due to increasing numbers of limited English proficient students enrolling in the Irvine Unified School District, English Immersion classrooms were established for grades K-6. In 1987, the program was expanded to include grades 7 and 8 and in 1998 grades 9-12 were added. The goal is to provide these special students with an opportunity to acquire English language proficiency in a supportive environment prior to placement in the regular classroom.

Criteria for eligibility to enroll in the Newcomer Classes are: 1) very limited English proficiency; 2) definite need for oral English language development prior to the introduction of English reading or writing; and, 3) agreement to enrollment by parents / guardian.

Enrollment in the Newcomer class is for a minimum of one semester. Location of the Newcomer class is based upon classroom space availability at the time of enrollment and after the student's English assessment.

Criteria for exit from the Newcomer class and to return to the neighborhood school includes attainment of an appropriate level on the CELDT (California English Language Development Test) and otherwise satisfactory progress in language acquisition and other academic areas based on teacher observation and testing.

If parents choose the neighborhood regular classroom, they waive the right to this particular special EL instruction program only. These English learners will still receive daily EL instruction from their resident school.

Reaction from staff and administration, including those at the Newcomer classroom sites, has been positive. The teachers appreciate knowing that these students can receive appropriate comprehensible instruction in this setting.  Students who achieve a threshold of reasonable fluency in English make a smoother transition to the academic program in the regular classroom where they continue to receive support and make progress.

Newcomer Program Exit Criteria

After many years of experience with the EL Immersion Program, we have developed exit criteria used to mainstream these special students. The exit criteria conform to the regulations issued subsequent to Proposition 227.  The exit criteria from the Newcomers Program is as follows:

English Learner Program Descriptions Elementary Grades K-6

*All of the instructional programs for English Learners also provide structured activities designed to develop multi-cultural competency and positive self-esteem.

DISTRICT CONTACT PERSON: Lisa Mennes, (949) 936-8500

English Learner Program Descriptions - Secondary Grades 7-12

*All of the instructional programs for English Learners also provide structured activities designed to develop multi-cultural competency and positive self-esteem.

CONTACT PERSON: Lisa Mennes, (949) 936-8500

S.D.A.I.E. METHODS  DEFINITION

WHAT: SDAIE English is a synthesis of:

• Second language acquisition research
• Strategies for access to core curriculum
• Modified materials
• Appropriate lesson planning
• Cooperative learning

WHO: SDAIE English is for:

• LEP students of various language groups
• Students who have acquired an intermediate level of English fluency
• SDAIE methods will not provide beginners with access to core curriculum

WHY: SDAIE English is beneficial because it:

• Provides equal access to the core curriculum for intermediate learners of English
• Fulfills legal requirements
• Allows for academic growth during English acquisition

WHERE: SDAIE instruction is appropriate in:

• Science
• Social Science
• Math
• Language Arts
• Electives