English Language Learners

The English Learner (EL) Master Plan for the San Juan Unified School District guides the implementation of optimally-effective programs for English learners and ensures that these programs achieve the district's goals for ELs. These goals include attaining linguistic and academic proficiency. The master plan also serves to ensure that EL programs are consistent with state and federal law Master Plan.

Mira Loma High School presently serves 376 English Language Learners. This population comes from over 20 different languages. English Language Learners at Mira Loma High School are placed into an immersion program taught in English.

Identification of English Learners

All parents are required by California law to complete and sign a Home Language Survey. This form is part of the registration packet that is filled out when enrolling their students at Mira Loma High School. If a language other than English is indicated on the Home Language Survey, an appointment is made to have the child tested at San Juan Central.

Initial Assessment

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is administered for Mira Loma students who indicate on their Home Language Survey a language other than English. The test evaluates listening/speaking, reading, and writing in English. The unofficial results are immediately made available to parents. Official results from the state are mailed to parents as soon as they are received from the testing company.

Placement

Students who are fluent in English are placed in regular curriculum classes. English Language Learners are placed according to their ELPAC level into English- Transition and ELD Support classes at Mira Loma High School.

Curriculum

All English Learners at Mira Loma High School are given intense instruction in English including English Language Development (ELD). Teachers of English Learners are specially trained in methods and strategies that promote the rapid acquisition of English as well as academic knowledge in core subjects. The curriculum used by teachers at Mira Loma High School to develop English are English 3D and Edge.

Reclassification

The San Juan Unified School District has developed criteria for reclassifying English Learners to Fluent English Proficient (FEP) status. Multiple measures of assessment are used including the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), Smarter Balanced Assessments (CAASPP), i-Ready, teacher judgment, and parent input. After a Mira Loma student is reclassified, their academic progress is monitored for four years.

English Language Development Standards K-12

California English Language Development Standards, adopted by the State Board of Education on November 7, 2012, are aligned with California’s Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The standards are used by the Mira Loma classroom teachers to develop lessons and assess individual students' performance in English.   

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

There is a functioning English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) at Mira Loma High School. The committee advises the principal on the development of the school plan for English Learners. The committee assists the school with attendance, improvements, and conducting the needs assessment. The parents of English Learners are elected and one of the members serves as the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) representative. 

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) advises the governing board on the master plan for English Learner education, district-wide needs assessment, and setting district goals for English learner education. The DELAC assists the district with written parent notification of initial assessment, the district's reclassification process, review of and comments on any related waiver requests, and a timeline for the development of the master plan for English Learner education. The majority of the DELAC are parents of ELL students. The DELAC members are trained by the English Learner staff. Mira Loma High School currently has a parent representative at DELAC.