ENGLISH LEARNER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ELAC)

The school’s responsibility is to help parents clearly understand the educational process so that they can positively interact with the school and thus become advocates for the education of their children. El Segundo High School will:

• Include participation of parents and the community in decision making, planning, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs for English Language Learners.
• Develop a working partnership between the community and the schools in providing equal educational access to all students.
• Emphasize open communication with parents and dissemination of information concerning school activities, programs, reports, and policies in the primary language.

ELAC Formation

• A general meeting is called for parents of English Language Learners each Fall
• The role and responsibility of the ELAC is explained
• The site administrator can entertain nominations or the group can appoint a nominating committee
• The ballot should include persons willing to serve as chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, members at large
• All nominees must be informed before nominations and elections to assure they understand the duties, responsibilities, and terms of office.
• Written permission to place names on ballot is obtained
• Print ballots in English and other languages appropriate for the school site
• Send ballots to all parents of LEP/EL students
• The principal will notify (in writing) those who are elected.

 ELAC Composition

• Parent membership percentages on the ELAC shall reflect the language diversity percentages at the school site
• Parent membership percentages of the ELAC shall reflect the EL percentages at the school site
• There shall be a minimum of five committee members.

What is the ELAC?

A committee formed to advise the school on programs for LEP students.

Requirement: ESHS will establish a fully functioning English Learner Advisory Committee.

• The ELAC may be comprised of LEP parents, non LEP parents, and school site staff which are ALL elected by parents.
• Election Procedures...

The site coordinator will conduct an election for members of the ELAC in which all parents of ELs have an opportunity to vote.

The site coordinator will ensure that the percentage of LEP parents in the ELAC is at least the same percentage as there are LEP students at the school.

• The purpose of the ELAC is to provide opportunities for parents to give advice and assist the school in the decision making process concerning programs for English Learners. It is the responsibility of the ELAC to keep all LEP parents informed.
• ELAC officers are elected from within the ELAC.

Chairperson (can’t be school personnel)

Vice Chairperson

Secretary

• The bylaws should be the ground rules for the committee to conduct business. The term "bylaws" refers to a set of rules adopted by the committee to govern its functions. All bylaws should reflect the specific needs of the committee.

The ELAC has five main responsibilities as outlined by the California State Department of Education.

1. The ELAC will conduct a school needs assessment for English language learners.

2. The ELAC will advise in the development and implementation of the school plan for English Learners submitted to the ESHS Site Council.

3. The ELAC will review the school’s language census (R30) in developing the school’s plan for English Learners.

4. The ELAC will help make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.

5. The ELAC can delegate its authority to the SSC every two years if the parents wish to do so.

LEP parents must be trained in the roles and responsibilities of the ELAC.

LEP parents must elect all ELAC members.

Every two years, the newly elected ELAC may vote to delegate its authority the SSC.

The site coordinator is responsible for keeping all necessary documents verifying an election was held and if applicable that the ELAC voted to delegate its authority to the SSC.