20.1 English Learner Overview

This handbook section provides everything needed to support your EL students! Review the training videos and HST EL Checklist to get started with new EL students. The additional resources and instructional videos will help you work with EL families to develop a strong homeschool program.

ELD Program Overview

Special Program Leads (SPLs) ~ This year, our SPLs are partnering with you to help you support the English Learners on your roster. SPLs will be assigned specific students to support. Please refer to the 25-26 SPL/EL Cohort List to see who your student is assigned to. (Please keep in mind that this document is being updated weekly, so if you do not see your student yet, you will soon!)

EL Program Overview Training Video EL Program Overview Slides

OPTEL Training Video OPTEL Training Slides

ELPAC Test Prep Challenge

ELPAC Prep Challenge launched on September 29th to help our English Learner students get ready for this year's ELPAC assessment. This is a great opportunity for families to access free educational resources while preparing their kids for success.

There are two options for families to complete the challenge:

• ELPAC Practice Workbooks (Reading and Writing) - complete at least 60% of each book AND attend at least one Virtual ELPAC Prep Bootcamp Session

OR

• IXL ELPAC Skill Plan assigned by the HST AND attend at least one Virtual ELPAC Prep Bootcamp Session

The best part? Families who complete their chosen option by February 2nd, 2026, get to pick between an SD Zoo/Safari Park Membership or a SeaWorld Fun Card!

What you need to know:

• HSTs will handle ordering books or setting up online access
• Parents should contact their HST for more information and to get started
• Challenge runs through February 2, 2026
• HSTs will confirm the challenge was completed successfully and request the selected option for the family by completing this survey no later than February 28th, 2026.
  
• Families are allowed to have their student participate in both the ELPAC and the CAASPP challenges simultaneously and qualify for both the SD Zoo/Safari Park Membership and SeaWorld Fun Card!

Please encourage participation when families ask about ELPAC prep - this program gives them structured practice materials and a nice incentive to stay motivated. If parents have questions about which option would work best for their child, please suggest the path you think they would have the most success in.

Let's help our EL students feel confident and prepared for their assessments!