Live Oak Unified School District

• Accelerated Language Program
• Transitional English Support Program
• Mainstream Program

This program is designed to help students learn English as rapidly as possible while at the same time giving them special assistance in learning to read, write, do math, and learn about science and history. This program is for students who need an intensive English learning program. It is designed to last one year and features the provision of specialized English language instruction by teachers who have been specially trained. In this program, your child will receive intensive instruction in English and other subjects. After students have completed this program they are then enrolled in the Transitional English Support Program.

This program is designed for students who have made great progress in learning English but who still need specialized English language development in the area of grammar. In this program students continue to study the English language, along with other subjects like math, social studies and science appropriate to their grade level. These classes are taught by teachers who have special training to make these subjects understandable. The Transitional English Support Program is designed to last a maximum of two years after which students transfer to the Mainstream Program.

This program is for students who have grade appropriate English language skills. These students have already passed all of the district criteria to be "reclassified" as Fluent English Proficient (R-FEP). Instruction in this program is at grade level and is designed for students with full proficiency in English.

Like many districts in California, the Live Oak Unified School District is always seeking ways of helping students to learn English and do well in other subjects. After careful study and in collaboration with various groups, these three distinct program options will be available at all district sites. The programs will be implemented at Luther Elementary and Live Oak Middle School in January of 2009, with full district implementation by 2011. The district's board of trustees fully supports these programs. These programs are also compliant with state and federal laws and guidelines.

In the past, we have provided our English Learners with a combination of ESL (English as a Second Language) and limited instruction in their home language. These approaches were not always successful. Our new programs focus school and district resources on helping students master the foundational English language grammar skills that are necessary for reading and writing in school and in the workplace.

To learn a new language you must study and practice that language. In all of the district's instructional programs for English learners, students are speaking and practicing English every day. After daily lessons with the teacher, students will be encouraged to practice English with friends and other students as they learn subjects, such as math, science and history.

Parents are a student's first and best teacher, so encourage your child to practice English with others. Practice will speed up the process and give him/her even more confidence. You can also help by showing your child how you use English in your job, with friends, or to accomplish daily tasks. Of course, your child's first language will remain an important part of his/her activities, which the district appreciates and encourages.

Your child's teacher will regularly measure your child's developing English skills and ability to do other school work in English. Careful testing practices will provide you, your child's teacher and the district with timely, reliable information on your child's progress in learning English and other school subjects.

• LOUSD EL Master Plan
• LOUSD EL Master Plan (Spanish)