Learning/Student Support » English Learner Program (EL) » Parent Information

Parent Information

Parental Rights

Schools must assess English learners annually and update parents on their child’s English proficiency. Parents have the right to opt their child out of language program or specific services. If they choose to do so, the child will retain their English learner status and continue to be assessed each year with the Summative ELPAC. To opt out, parents should meet with the EL Site Coordinator to review student data and evaluate the decision to deny services. After the consultation meeting, parents/guardians who wish to opt their child out of EL services must send a written request to the EL Site Coordinator. It is important to note that parents/guardians always have the right to opt back into the EL Program.

 

Parents can access important program letters and progress monitoring documents through PUSD’s EL Console in MyPlan.

 

Translation/Interpretation for Parents

District and site notices (such as newsletters, phone messages, school communications), and student reports, are written in English and additional languages where that language constitutes 15% or more at a site.  Currently, Spanish and Mandarin are provided at sites where more than 15% of the school’s population speak Spanish or Mandarin as their primary language.  Each school site and the District Office have identified personnel and translation services that can provide adequate translation of written materials and can assist in oral interpretation for meetings and phone communication with parents.

 

Notifications

The following forms and letters regarding identification, assessment and placement are provided to parents and kept in the students’ Language Proficiency Folder:

  • Initial Parent Notification Letter is provided in English, Spanish, and Mandarin at the schools requiring translation.
  • Annual Parent Notification Letter is provided in English, Spanish, and Mandarin at the schools requiring translation. The letter can be accessed in the EL Console.
  • Parents and students receive Initial and Summative ELPAC results from the State of California and can access scores on the EL Console.

 

FAQs

 
What language(s) should bilingual parents speak to their children at home?
We recommend that you speak the language you speak best.  Children need to hear language used proficiently for a variety of purposes.  Of course, you are welcome to speak more than one language in your home – children CAN tell the difference between the two languages.  We want students who are bilingual (speak and understand two – or more – languages) and biliterate (read and write in two – or more – languages).  Therefore, we recommend that you continue using your home language and encourage your children to continue to develop proficiency in both languages.  Any support you provide in your home language will actually assist your children in learning English because language skills transfer from one language to another.
 
Does the district offer English classes for parents?
Yes.  We offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at a variety of levels through our district Adult Education Program.  Adults can also earn a high school diploma or GED certificate through the Adult Education Program. There are also a variety of enrichment classes offered through our Adult Education Program, generally for a small fee.
 
How does the district determine which school my child will attend?
Students are assigned to a particular school based on where they live.  When students are enrolled in our schools, parents must provide proof of residency.  Because the state has limits on the number of students who may be in a class at some grade levels, it is possible that a particular grade at the neighborhood school may be “closed” and the students will be sent to a different school. 
 
Are parents required to pay for their child’s schooling?
No.  All services provided to students through any program during the regular school day (English learner program services, regular education program services, and special education program services) are provided for free.  Of course, there may be fees for school-sponsored programs outside of the regular school day (sports programs, after-school enrichment classes, etc.).