School District implements supplemental after-school English program for language development

The Manassas City Public Schools Board meeting on January 28, 2025, focused on the implementation and progress of the Summit K-12 program, which provides supplemental English language development for students. The program is funded through federal grants and is designed to operate outside of regular instructional hours, allowing students to work at their own pace on language skills.

During the meeting, board members discussed the alignment of the program with classroom instruction and the assessment process for students entering the program. It was clarified that students take a pretest to determine their proficiency levels across four language domains: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. This assessment helps tailor the program to meet individual student needs.

The board also addressed the status of English learners (ELs) in the district, noting that federal regulations require tracking not only active ELs but also former ELs and those who refuse services. Currently, only 0.2% of students fall into the latter category, which is considered a small number. The board expressed interest in understanding how this figure compares to other districts.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the program's pilot phase at METS and Baldwin Intermediate schools, with plans to expand based on its success. The discussion included the importance of data in evaluating student progress and the potential impact of changes in federal grant funding on the program's future.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing English language instruction and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed academically. The board plans to continue monitoring the program's effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary.