English Learner Program
🌍 Welcome to Bryn Mawr’s English Learner (EL) Program!
At Bryn Mawr Elementary, we are proud to support our multilingual learners as they grow in both academic achievement and English language development—while honoring their home languages and cultures.
🤔 What Does It Mean to Be an English Learner?
An English Learner (EL) is a student whose primary language at home is not English and who needs extra support to reach full fluency in English.
EL students are:
- Valued for their bilingualism and cultural assets
- Supported in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English
- Monitored for academic progress as they learn the language
📊 California State Requirements
California law requires that all English learners:
- Take the ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California) every year
- Receive targeted English Language Development (ELD) instruction daily
- Be taught with differentiated instruction in all subjects
📆 Testing Timeline
- Initial ELPAC: Given within 30 days of enrollment if a language other than English is indicated on the home language survey
- Summative ELPAC: Administered every spring (usually February–May) to all EL students to measure annual language growth
📘 Understanding EL Proficiency Levels
On the ELPAC, students are scored in four levels:
- Level 1: Minimally Developed
- Level 2: Somewhat Developed
- Level 3: Moderately Developed
- Level 4: Well Developed
Each level helps teachers plan the right support for your child.
🌱 Types of Support for ELs at Bryn Mawr
We provide a range of services to help your child succeed:
- 🎯 Designated ELD: Daily, focused instruction in English language skills
- 📚 Integrated ELD: Language development built into regular classroom lessons
- 🧠 Differentiated Instruction: Tailored lessons based on each student's language level
- 👩🏫 Small Group Learning: Students work in small groups for extra support
- 🚪 Pull-Out Services: Targeted ELD instruction outside the classroom for specific needs
🔁 How Does Reclassification Work?
When an EL student becomes fluent in English, they are reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP).
To be reclassified, students must meet these criteria:
- Score 4 (Well Developed) on the Summative ELPAC
- Meet or exceed standards on CAASPP (state English Language Arts test)
- Be recommended by their teacher
- Parent input and agreement
Once reclassified, students are no longer ELs but are monitored for 4 more years to ensure success.
🏅 Seal of Biliteracy
Students who continue to develop both their home language and English may qualify for the California State Seal of Biliteracy when they graduate high school.
This award:
- Recognizes high-level fluency in two or more languages
- Is noted on the student’s high school diploma
- Honors the value of bilingualism in education and careers
🤝 Parent Involvement Matters!
We believe that strong family partnerships help students thrive!
👨👩👧👦 Monthly ELPAC Parent Meetings at Bryn Mawr
- Stay informed about testing, student progress, and how to support learning at home
- Open to all parents/guardians of English learners
🏛️ District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)
- A districtwide meeting where parent voices guide EL programs and policies
- We encourage Bryn Mawr parents to attend and participate!
Your input and involvement make a difference!
💬 Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you’d like more information about your child’s language development or the EL program, please contact:
EL Coordinator: Mrs. Rebekah Criswell
School Office: 909-478-5650
Director of Multilingual Education: Mrs. Sonya Balingit
Website: Multilingual Education and Family Engagement