English Learner & Newcomer

Lawndale Elementary School District has a wealth of resources for students who are new to the country or are learning English. Each school has a Community Liaison who helps the parents connect to school resources, a Social Worker who helps students with their social-emotional and behavioral needs and access to mental health resources, and an English Learner Instructional Resource Teacher (ELIRT) who collaborates and coordinates with the school's teachers and staff to aid our multilingual students' academics.

English Learner Program

The English Learner Program supports and promotes academic and linguistic excellence for English learners in LESD. Our goals are to:

Implement and support programs that provide differentiated instruction based on students’ academic and language needs, including English Language Development (ELD), Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE), and primary language support
Develop communicative and academic second language proficiency
Engage and support every student in learning English and reaching their highest potential in all academic content areas
Support school site leadership, teachers, and staff in promoting best practices to meet the instructional needs of English learners
Instill an appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity

Newcomer Resource Overview

At Lawndale, we embrace diversity and welcome all students. We understand that customs differ depending on culture and entering a new school system can be overwhelming. To help our students succeed within our schools, we have multi-tiered system of supports that align academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning. Our Community Liaisons, ELIRTs, and Social Workers collaborate to help our families learn about our school system, get access to resources, and navigate the challenges our students encounter when entering a new school. Students who require English support are provided additional in-class assistance and resources to help acquire the language.

Enrollment

English Language Proficiency Assessments (ELPAC)

Initial ELPAC Test (taken once)

Students who are new to the State of California will need to take the Initial ELPAC test within 30 days of their enrollment. Results from this test will be used to determine a student's Language Fluency and appropriate support.

Students who are enrolled during the school year will be tested at their school. Testing will be coordinated by each site's English Learner Instructional Resource Teacher (ELIRT). Contact your school's ELIRT if you have any questions.

Summative ELPAC (taken annually)

All students who are determined to be part of the English Learner community will take the Summative ELPAC in the Spring at their school. Results from this test will be used to continue language support and eligibility towards reclassification.

ELPAC Testing Team

LESD has dynamic mobile teams that administer ELPAC simultaneously during the designated testing windows. This is a group collaboration of ELIRTs, Language Arts Specialists (LAS), Math Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs), and Certificated Substitutes. Thanks to the ELIRTs for their guidance, providing trainings, and spearheading our testers. They have been able to accomplish ELPAC testing goals to meet state deadlines efficiently.

We are extremely proud of our testers and the success of our English learner students!! With the testers’ expertise and experience, the students feel less nervous, and their self-confidence exceeds their ‘testing butterflies’.

See helpful resources for local educational agency personnel who administer the ELPAC.

ELPAC Parent Guide (English)

ELPAC Parent Guide (Spanish)

ELPAC Parent Guide (Vietnamese)

Parent Involvement

A student's development is aided by active family engagement and participation in the student's learning and school community. LESD provides families with multiple opportunities to be involved, and learn about the program and resources.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Parents are welcomed to join each school's ELAC meetings where they can provide their input and learn about programs and resources. The meetings take part in Spanish and English. Check your school's calendar for future meeting dates.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Parents are welcomed to join the DELAC meetings at the District Office on the Second Wednesday of the month at 9:00 AM. Our DELAC Committee is composed of Parent Leaders advocating for our school district's English Learner Program. This is a public meeting for all district parents. Visit our events calendar for future meeting dates.