English Learners (ELs)
Fountain Valley School District English Learner Program Overview
The Fountain Valley School District (FVSD) serves approximately 6,000 students from Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade. About 10% of FVSD students are English Learners (ELs), representing over 35 languages. The majority of ELs speak Vietnamese, followed by Spanish and Arabic.
FVSD Beliefs for English Learner Services
FVSD is committed to providing effective, high-quality services for English Learners, focusing on:
- Developing English language proficiency within five years.
- Providing equal access to the full core curriculum.
- Supporting academic and social success for ELs.
- Delivering daily instruction in English Language Development (ELD) and supporting content learning with Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) strategies.
- Recognizing and encouraging multilingual abilities and, where possible, supporting proficiency in multiple languages.
- Appreciating and celebrating the diversity of languages and cultures.
- Welcoming and encouraging parental involvement in EL education.
Foundation of the FVSD Master Plan for English Learners
The FVSD Master Plan for English Learners is based on:
- Federal laws
- State laws and regulations
- District plans and policies
- Research-informed, proven instructional practices
Purpose of the English Learner Program
The English Learner program aims to:
- Develop fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English for each student whose primary language is not English.
- Enhance students' self-esteem and foster cross-cultural understanding.
- Provide equal opportunities for academic achievement, including instruction in the primary language when necessary.
The Master Plan for ELs includes regular education classes and staff, ensuring all FVSD personnel work together to deliver the highest quality education for English Learners.