"Although a vast majority of English learners fail to meet state standards in English language arts and math, academic performance makes a huge jump once students are reclassified as fluent in English. Last year, 72 percent of students who reclassified met state standards for English language arts, compared to 17 percent of English learners."

This shows a lack of understanding of how ELs are designated and reclassified. They don't make a big jump in academic achievement when they reclassify. Rather, students need to meet state standards in order to reclassify (which at some grade levels means that they need to perform better than the median English only student, BTW).

So when you look at the pool of reclassified students you look at kids who showed they could perform at or above grade level the year before. And when you look at non-reclassified ELs, you see the numbers for kids who couldn't meet the criteria.

Best predictor of being an A student this year? Being an A student last year...

Recently reading Sonia Sotomayor's biography she wrote about how when her mother used English at home instead of Spanish she jumped ahead in all subjects in school. What is offered for parents learning English? They will be able to help their kids with homework if they also learn English.

@jean There is a program for parents in the district. Here's a link to our story about it:

Web Link

"At Castro Elementary, students aren't the only ones taking classes. Each week, dozens of parents take time out of their Saturday morning to attend a new course aimed at helping them better understand the school system and improve their English."

The district and the board are trying to make a difference, they just need to keep consistent and keep working like a team. Don't forget to recognize importance of teachers and parents in this process.