About AIMS College Prep ELD Department

The AIMS ELD department serves hundreds of students in our district who are actively learning English as a second (or third or fourth) language. Our English Learner (EL) students and their families make up one of the most valued parts of our AIMS community. The AIMS ELD department strives to provide the resources and instruction that will ensure their success in school and beyond.

EVERY YEAR OUR EL STUDENTS TAKE A TEST CALLED THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT CALIFORNIA (ELPAC) TO DETERMINE IF THEIR ENGLISH LEVEL IS AT A 1, 2, 3, OR 4. BELOW IS AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT EACH LEVEL MEANS.

4: likely fluent in English, and will be eligible to have their “English Learner” status removed this school year
3: getting very close to being fluent in English and making great progress which will be supported at school
2: improving in their English skills and will receive support to get to a higher level
1: at a beginner level in their English skills and will receive multiple supports to become more skilled with English this year

BELOW ARE THE SUPPORTS OUR ELD DEPARTMENT PROVIDES BASED ON EACH CHILD’S LEVEL. EACH SUPPORT IS TAILORED TO EACH CHILD’S NEEDS TO ENSURE THEY MEET AGE-APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT STANDARDS FOR GRADE PROMOTION AND GRADUATION.

4: student attends all regular academic classes with designated and integrated ELD time within the classroom, progress is monitored, eligible for reclassification out of English Learner status
3: student attends all regular academic classes with designated and integrated ELD time within the classroom, progress is monitored, personal language learning program and tutoring will be assigned
2: student attends all regular academic classes with designated and integrated ELD time within the classroom, PLUS an ELD small group class for 120-150 minutes each week may be assigned, progress is monitored, personal language learning program and tutoring will be assigned, interpreting/translating tools in the home language may be provided
1: student attends all regular academic classes with designated and integrated ELD time within the classroom, PLUS an ELD small group class for 120-150 minutes each week, progress is monitored, personal language learning program and tutoring will be assigned, interpreting/translating tools in the home language will be provided

RECLASSIFICATION

To exit English Learner status, students should first score a level 4 on the ELPAC. Then the ELD department collects information about their grades, other test scores, and also teacher feedback to determine if they are indeed Fluent English Proficient. We aim to re-classify EL students within six years of starting school.

STUDENTS WITH IEP

The AIMS ELD department works closely with our Special Education team to ensure that EL students with an IEP and/or 504 receive the individualized support they need to succeed. Eligible students with special needs will be tested with an alternate ELPAC test to ensure they can express their English proficiency effectively.

PARENTAL RIGHTS

Families with English Learner (EL) students have a right to receive important school information and communicate with the school in their preferred language through translation and interpretation services. AIMS uses Language Line and Boostlingo to provide these services, and families can access their platforms via the AIMS website. Families also have the right to be notified about their child's EL identification and program services, and to receive a written notification detailing their child's EL status, services offered, and their right to opt their child out of the program. AIMS involves parents/guardians in decisions about their child's education through our K-8 and 9-12 English Learner Advisory Committees (ELAC) and our combined District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), and provides meaningful opportunities to participate in their child's learning. Please scroll down for more info on ELAC and DELAC.

ELD Families photo gallery

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC/DELAC)

The ELAC is a group at each school site that has parent members who give feedback and approval on the plans and services that AIMS provides for EL students. All parents of EL students are invited to run for this committee as well as the district-level committee, DELAC.

Click here for minutes from the most recent ELAC meeting

Click here for minutes from the most recent DELAC meeting