English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC)

The committee advises and assists the school principal, staff and School Site Council (SSC) as follows:

1. The school’s program for English learners.
2. The development of the Single School Plan for Student Achievement.(SPSA)
3. The school’s needs assessment.
4. The school’s annual language census (R-30 LC Report).
5. Efforts to make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.

The percentage of parents of English learners on the committee must be at least the same as that of English learners at the school.

Requirements for ELAC elections include:

1. Parents/guardians of English learners elect parent members of the school committee.
2. The parents/guardians are provided the opportunity to vote for committee members.
3. Each school committee shall have the opportunity to elect at least one member to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). 

The district shall provide for all ELAC members:

1. Appropriate training and materials to assist each member to carry out his or her legally required advisory responsibilities.
2. Training is planned in full consultation with ELAC members. 

20 USC 6312[g][4]; E.C. Sections: 62002.5; 35147; 52176 and 52168; and Title 5. CCR, Section 11308

Which schools are required to have an elected English Learner Advisory Committee?

Each school with 21 or more students of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in attendance, regardless of language, must form a functioning English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).

What is the role of the ELAC?

The role of the ELAC is to advise the principal and School Site Council on programs and services for English learners. The ELAC acts in an advisory capacity. It is not a decision-making body, but it is the voice of the English learner community. Specifically, the ELAC:

• Advises on the development of services for English learners in the Balanced ScoreCard/Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). 
• Assists in the development of the school’s needs assessment and efforts to make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.
• Has representation on the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC).

What is the composition of the ELAC?

The ELAC membership must include parents of English learners (ELs), but may also include other duly elected family & community members. The percentage of parents of ELs who are elected must be at least equal to the percentage of English learners at the school site. For example, if 50% of the students at a given site are English learners, at least 50% of the membership of the ELAC must be parents of ELs. The remaining 50% of the committee members can be the principal, community members, teachers of participating students, instructional aides, parent liaisons, other parents and staff.

How are members elected to the ELAC?

Only parents of English Learners may vote for members of the ELAC. All parents of ELs must receive ballots.

When should ELAC elections take place? What is the term of office?

The term of office is two years. If there are vacancies, schools may conduct elections at any time, or refer to the ELAC by-laws as to how to fill the vacancies.

Can elections be organized so that ELAC members’ terms of office are staggered?

Yes, this would provide for continuity and schools are encouraged to do this. As new members are elected to the committee, “experienced” members will serve as models. The committee could continue its important work without the interruption of beginning anew every two years.

Must we elect an ELAC if there are parents of English Learners on the School Site Council?

Yes, you must have an ELAC unless they relinquish their responsibilities. (See next question.)

What is Supplemental and Concentration Grant - English Learners (SCG-EL)?

Supplemental and Concentration Grant for English Learners is a portion of the state's Local Control Funding Formula. These supplemental funds are used from kindergarten through grade twelve to support additional educational programs for English Learners. The purpose of these funds is to improve students' academic achievement. The use of these funds at each school site is described in the site's academic plan (SPSA). Typical examples include the purchase of supplemental materials, services of instructional aides, and supplemental resource teachers.