Policy 6174 - Education for English Language Learners

Rule 6174

Adopted: 12/08/1998 (renumbered from 6172)
Last Revised: 05/05/2026
Last Reviewed: 05/05/2026

1. For the purpose of setting the local control and accountability plan (LCAP) priorities, a student who has not attained English language proficiency within seven years of initial classification as an English learner 
    
2. For the purpose of English language proficiency assessment, an English learner in grades 6-12 who has been enrolled in school in the United States for six years or more and who either: 
   
   a) Has remained at the same English language proficiency level for two or more consecutive years, or has regressed to a lower proficiency level; or
   
   b) Is a student in grades 6-9 who has scored far below basic or below basic on the prior year's English language arts standards-based achievement test, or a score determined by the Superintendent of Public Instruction on any successor test

1. The reason for the identification of the student as an English learner and the need for placement in a language acquisition program
    
2. The level of English proficiency, how the level was assessed, and the status of the student's academic achievement
    
3. A description of the language acquisition program in which the student is, or will be, participating, including a description of all of the following:
   
   a) The methods of instruction used in the program and in other available programs, including how such programs differ in content, instructional goals, and the use of English and a native language in instruction
   
   b) The manner in which the program will meet the educational strengths and needs of the student
   
   c) The manner in which the program will help the student develop English proficiency and meet age-appropriate academic standards for grade promotion and graduation
   
   d) The specific exit requirements for the program, the expected rate of transition from the program into classes not tailored for English learners, and the expected rate of graduation from secondary school if applicable
   
   e) When the student has been identified for special education, the manner in which the program meets the requirements of the student's individualized education program
    
4. As applicable, the identification of a student as a long-term English learner or at risk of becoming a long-term English learner, as defined in Education Code 313.1, and the manner in which the program for English language development instruction will meet the educational strengths and needs of such students and help such students develop English proficiency and meet age-appropriate academic standards
    
5. Information about the parent/guardian’s right to have the student immediately removed from a program upon the parent/guardian's request
    
6. Information regarding a parent/guardian’s option to decline to enroll the student in the program or to choose another program or method of instruction, if available
    
7. Information designed to assist a parent/guardian in selecting among available programs, if more than one program or method is offered

1. The school shall make a written record of each request, including any request submitted verbally, that includes the date of the request, the names of the parent/guardian and the students grade level on the date of the request.  As needed, the school shall assist the parent/guardian in clarifying the request.  All requests shall be maintained for at least three years from the date of the request in accordance with Board Policy 3580- District Records.
    
2. The school shall monitor requests on a regular basis and notify the Superintendent or designee when the parents/guardians of at least 30 students enrolled in the school, or at least 20 students in the same grade level, request the same or a substantially similar type of language acquisition program.
   
   If the requests are for a multilingual program model, the district shall consider requests from parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school who are native English speakers in determining whether this threshold is reached.
    
3. If the number of parents/guardians described in item #2 is attained, the Superintendent or designee shall:
   
   a) Within ten (10) days of reaching the threshold, notify the parents/guardians of students attending the school, the school's teachers, administrators, and the district's English Learner Parent Advisory Committee and parent advisory committee, in writing, of the requests for a language acquisition program
   
   b) Identify costs and resources necessary to implement any new language acquisition program, including, but not limited to, certificated teachers with the appropriate authorizations, necessary instructional materials, pertinent professional development for the proposed program, and opportunities for parent/guardian and community engagement to support the proposed program goals
   
   c) Within sixty (60) calendar days of reaching the threshold number of parents/guardians described in item #2 above, determine whether it is possible to implement the requested language acquisition program and provide written notice of the determination to parents/guardians of students attending the school, the school's teachers, and administrators

1. A description of the programs provided, including structured English immersion
    
2. Identification of any language to be taught in addition to English when the program includes instruction in a language other than English
    
3. The manner in which the program is designed using evidence-based research and includes both designated and integrated English language development
    
4. The manner in which the district has allocated sufficient resources to effectively implement the program, including, but not limited to, certificated teachers with the appropriate authorizations, necessary instructional materials, pertinent professional development, and opportunities for parent/guardian and community engagement to support the program goals
    
5. The manner in which the program will, within a reasonable period of time, lead to language proficiency and achievement of the state-adopted content standards in English and, when the program includes instruction in another language, in that other language
    
6. The process to request establishment of a language acquisition program not offered at the school
    
7. For any dual-language immersion program offered, the specific languages to be taught.  The notice also may include the program goals, methodology used, and evidence of the proposed program’s effectiveness.

1. Developing a district master plan, including policy(ies), for education programs and services for English learners, taking into consideration the school site plans for English learners
    
2. Conducting a districtwide needs assessment on a school-by-school basis
    
3. Establishing a district program, goals, and objectives for programs and services for English learners
    
4. Developing a plan to ensure compliance with applicable teacher or instructional aide requirements
    
5. Administering the annual language census
    
6. Reviewing and commenting on the district's reclassification procedures
    
7. Reviewing and commenting on the required written parental notifications