Learning/Student Support » English Learner Program (EL) » EL Initial Identification

EL Initial Identification

At the time of enrollment, California public schools are required to determine the language(s) spoken in the home by each student. To gather this information, all parents/legal guardians are required to answer four home language questions (the Home Language Survey or HLS) on the New Student Enrollment Form for each of their school-aged children as part of the District’s enrollment process. 

 

California Education Code (EC), Section 52164.1 (a) contains legal requirements which direct schools to determine the language(s) spoken in the home of each student. Please see the California Department of Education website  for more information. 

 

Language Survey Questions

  1. What language did the student first learn to speak?

  2. What language does the student use most frequently at home?

  3. What language do you (the parents or guardians) use most frequently when speaking with your child?

  4. What language is most often used by adults at home?

An answer other than English to questions 1-3 will automatically indicate the need for language assessment; if the only question with an answer other than English is question 4, then further data and interviews are conducted to determine whether the child will need to be assessed. The New Student Enrollment Form remains on file for each student in PUSD in their cumulative record, and will assist schools in providing appropriate instruction for all students.

 

After the student completes the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), parents/guardians will be informed about the student's ELP and available instructional program options. Assessment results are entered into the District database, and a copy of the Initial Parent Notification Letter, along with the assessment results, is stored in the student's Language Proficiency Folder, maintained by English Learner personnel at the site.