EL

We have a dual obligation for the education of English learners.  These responsibilities include developing students’ English proficiency and providing access to academic content instruction.  Expected levels of English language proficiency are based on a projected increase of one Overall Proficiency Level (OPL) per year, as measured by the California English Language Development Test (CELDT).  The district expects reclassification to fluent English-proficient status within five years for students who enter the district at the “beginning” level.

At Valley Elementary, all English learners typically increase one proficiency level for each year they are enrolled and are reclassified as Fluent English Proficient prior to promoting to middle school.

English learners receive concentrated instruction in the use of the English language that is appropriate for their grade and English language proficiency level. Such instruction must be provided by a teacher with advanced training in special strategies to help students increase their English proficiency and learn academic subjects taught in English.

English language development (ELD) is embedded in all activities conducted in English throughout the school day, and students receive focused ELD instruction targeted to their specific proficiency level. 

Any student who lives in a home where a language other than English is spoken must take the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) within 30 days of his/her first date of enrollment in school to determine whether the student is 'fluent English proficient or an English Learner. The CELDT is then administered each year to English learners until they are reclassified as fluent English proficient. CELDT results establish one of five proficiency levels for each student: Beginning, Early Intermediate, Intermediate, Early Advanced, or Advanced. The CELDT enables the district to monitor student progress in learning English and helps teachers diagnose students' instructional needs.

All Valley teachers are credentialed and have completed specific coursework and certification to support English learners within their classrooms.  English language development is an integral part of classroom instruction for English learners.
We have an English Learner Instructional Assistant that works with students and supports teachers in meeting the needs of English learners.  The Instructional Assistant usually focuses her support with students at the Beginning and Early Intermediate levels.  Support may be in small groups within the classroom or separately as a pull-out program depending on the needs of the students.

Parent meetings are held 3-4 times a year to discuss the English learner program at Creekside.  If parents have specific concerns about their child’s progress, they are encouraged to meet with the classroom teacher to discuss their questions.