WHO ARE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS?

English Language Learners entering Woodside High School receive English Language Development instruction and support. Students are initially assessed and placed according to their English Proficiency level as determined by the California English Language Development Test (CELDT). There are five levels of English Proficiency: Beginner, Early Intermediate, Intermediate, Early Advanced or Advanced. All English Learners receive ELD (English Language Development), English Language Arts, and grade level content (math, science, social studies).

WHAT TYPE OF INSTRUCTION AND SUPPORT DO ENGLISH LEARNERS RECEIVE?

Beginners, Early Intermediate and low intermediate English Learners (ELs) with less than 5 years in U.S. public schools receive Structured English Immersion in all grade level English and content classes. Intermediate, Early Advanced and Advanced English Learners receive English Language Mainstream courses with Specially Designed Academic Instruction (SDAIE).  In addition to English, math, science and social studies content classes, ELs receive reading, writing and CAHSEE prep support.

HOW DO ENGLISH LEARNERS BECOME FLUENT ENGLISH PROFICIENT?

English Learners are assessed annually to measure progress in English Language Development (CELDT). The annual California STAR Assessment in English Language Arts is also used to reclassify students as Fluent English proficient. Until students have met the reclassification criteria established by the SUHSD Board, all ELs receive appropriate instruction and support for their level of English Proficiency.

WHAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE TARGETED FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS?

Instructional associates, funded by state and federal funds, provide instructional support, tutoring, and supplementary instructional materials to English learners in their Structured English Immersion (SEI) or English Language mainstream (ELM) classes. A fulltime ELD resource teacher collaborates with Guidance Advisors, teachers, parents and students to ensure success for English Learners.

HOW ARE PARENTS INVOLVED?

Each year the parent members of the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) are elected to represent parents of English Learners. This group meets monthly to make recommendations to the principal, site council. The annual Single Plan for Student Achievement incorporates parent advice regarding the English Learner Program and use of targeted funds.

In addition, an Early College Outreach Parent program meets for six or more sessions to education parents on the expectations, goals, graduation requirements, university requirements and scholarship opportunities. These meetings are in the Woodside High School library from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Thursdays in September and October.

• Woodside High School ELAC Meetings 2009-2010
  
  Woodside High School English Learner Advisory Committee continues to meet monthly on the first Thursday of October, November, December, February, March and May. The meetings are held in the Woodside High School library from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Sequoia Union High School District ELAC Meetings 2008-2009

Conferencia Para Comité Asesor Del Programa Para Alumnos Aprendiendo Inglés (ELAC y DELAC), Sabado, 5 de diciembre, 2009, 8:30 a.m. hasta 1:00 p.m. en las oficinas del Distrito Escolar de Sequoia, 480 James Avenue, Redwood City.

Para más información, favor de llamar a Carmina Chávez, Coordinadora de Asuntos Familiares, 650.369.1411, Ext. 2293

The Conference for English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) members and District English Learner Advisory (DELAC) Committee members is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2009, 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Sequoia Union High School District offices, 480 James Avenue, Redwood City.

For more information, please call Carmina Chavez, Bilingual Ombudsman for Parents, 650-369-1411, ext. 2293.

English Language Development (ELD) Staff

Bilingual Resource Teacher................................... Kathie Toland  x4956

November 5, 2009 Parents, students, WHS and district staff celebrate completion of the 10th annual bilingual parent institute, Early College Outreach Parent Program.