Office of Language Acquisition

The Office of Language Acquisition supports effective instructional programs for English Learners (ELs). Additionally, it oversees and provides guidelines for World Language program in grades K-12 across the district. This work includes:

• Designing and supporting implementation of instructional programs for English Learners including SEI, MEC, Bilingual, and Newcomer.
• Designing and supporting implementation of English Language Development instruction and courses K-12.
• Providing on-site technical support for EL compliance — State and Federal requirements, and procedures.
• Assisting with site English Learner program articulation and placement.
• Assist in coordinating system-wide supports to improve achievement of ELs.
• Assist with design and implementation of World Language program curriculum.
• Designing, delivering, and monitoring professional development for EL and World Language teachers.
• Coordinate procurement of resources and materials for EL and World Language Programs.

The department also coordinates and provides assistance to parent committees, including school site-based English Learner Advisory Committees (ELAC), and the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), a district-level advisory committee made up of representatives from each school’s ELAC.

Of the roughly 135,000 students in the district, 27%, approximately 37,000 students are English learners, with more than 60 languages other than English spoken as a primary home language. Currently, approximately 4,700 of the district's 5,900 core subject matter teachers provide specialized instruction to English learners.