QTEL Report – Review of Instructional Program for English Learners
May 2015
Dear EUSD Staff, Parents, and Community,
Continuous improvement is the mark of a great organization! If we fail to reflect on our current practices without taking into account constructive feedback, we are likely to remain complacent. In a bold effort to ensure our students are receiving the best education possible, the district commissioned the services of a team of researchers to assess our instructional programs for English Learners. The research team conducted interviews with various stakeholders, in addition to collecting data through observations.
The findings of the report revealed that in order to keep up with the increasing rigorous demands of the new California State Standards, our district needs to:
Increase the instructional rigor for our English Learner students
Provide ample opportunities for students to engage in meaningful conversations with one another
Apply just enough support to ensure access to complex disciplinary practices and texts
Explicitly teach metacognitive and metalinguistic strategies for making meaning of text and to have students express their own opinions and arguments, in other words, help students become aware and understand their own thought processes and develop their ability to reflect on the use of both literal and implied language
This all begins with creating and communicating a streamlined and coherent vision of quality pedagogy for our English Learners. These findings now provide a road map of specific recommendations that will ensure success for all of our students. I have no doubt that with quality assistance and supports, our students and staff will realize success. With the support of the Board of Education, I am confident that we will do what is in the best interest of our students and community!
Luis A. Ibarra, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Escondido Union School District