English Language Learner Program Update for 2026-27 School Year
The official document
What the district published
This is the source material — exactly as released by RUSD. The plain English translation below is this site's version, written for community members who shouldn't need to know all the lingo to understand what they're legally entitled to as taxpayers, and how to access it.
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What this document actually says
This presentation provides an update on the district's English Language Learner (ELL) program as of October 2026. The district now has only 4 English Language Learners across all schools, down from 40 just a few years ago. These students speak Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic.
The district reports strong success in reclassification, meaning students are reaching English proficiency comparable to native English speakers. In 2025-26, 5 students were reclassified (50% of the EL population at the time). All 4 current EL students scored at high proficiency levels on their language assessments. The district uses a combination of integrated English language development (throughout the day) and designated ELD (protected time for language learning), with various curriculum materials including Lexia English, Language Power, and BrainPop ELL.
New state legislation (AB 2555) changes reclassification rules starting in 2026. Now, students who score a 4 on the Summative ELPAC test (or 3 on the Alternate ELPAC) will automatically be reclassified as fluent English proficient. Previously, multiple criteria had to be met. All reclassified students are monitored for four years to ensure continued academic success.
What this means for your family
For the small number of families with English Learners, this means targeted support. With only 4 EL students across the district (1 at Reed, 3 at Bel Aire, 0 at Del Mar), each student receives individualized attention using various language learning programs. The high reclassification rates suggest the district's approach is helping students gain English proficiency relatively quickly.
The new automatic reclassification rule may speed up the process for students who score well on state language tests. Once reclassified, students are still monitored for four years to make sure they continue to succeed academically. If your child is an English Learner, they will be assessed within the first 30 days of enrollment and then annually each spring.
Lina's read
Candidate perspective
I'm pleased to see strong outcomes for our English Learners, but I want to make sure we're asking the right questions about such a small program. With only 4 students across three schools, I wonder how we ensure these kids don't feel isolated and whether resource allocation matches their individual needs. The collaboration between EL and Special Education teams for students with IEPs is exactly the kind of cross-departmental work I value. I also want to understand how the new automatic reclassification law will work in practice and whether it might rush some students before they're truly ready for full English-only instruction.
Summaries are AI-assisted and based on the original district document shown above. Nothing has been editorialized — interpretations are clearly labeled. This site is maintained by Lina Godfrey's campaign as a community resource.