English Language Development Success

Director of Equity and Dual Language Programs Dr. Julie Perron recently provided the school board an annual update on English Language Development (ELD) and Dual Immersion programs. Currently, approximately 800 students are receiving services through Perron's department. Services include English Language Development, Dual Immersion Programs and Supportive Mainstream.

"We have a menu of options for services for English Language Development," said Perron. "We meet students at their level of English proficiency and provide the necessary enrichment and strategies they need to be successful academically."

This school year the Dual Immersion program expanded to Green Park Elementary with two, full capacity kindergarten classes. The growth will continue next year as students progress through the grade levels. Perron also reported students are exiting ELD services just above the state average, with three percent growth since last year.
"Some students need more time than others to acquire proficiency in English, but our goal is to ensure high levels of learning in all of our programs and services," said Perron. "One of our goals this year is to identify and address the needs of long-term English learners so we can exit them from services and ensure they are successful."

Perron also noted significant growth in identification of migrant students so appropriate services can be provided to meet their needs. She thanked the school board for its support and said staff in her department are amazing.