Compliance audit finds gaps in Portland SD 1J multilingual-learner services; management agrees to nine recommendations
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Summary
An internal compliance audit of multilingual-learner (English language development) services found instances of noncompliance across identification, family communication, Title III informational sessions, ELPA administration, and post-exit monitoring; the audit made nine recommendations and management agreed to implement them and report back in about 90 days.
Janice Hanson, the district's internal auditor, presented the English language development (multilingual-learner) compliance audit and told the audit committee the purpose was to test whether internal controls ensure compliance with applicable requirements for identifying multilingual learners and supporting their access to programs and services.
Hanson said the audit examined identification and assessment of multilingual learners, required communication with families (including Title III ELD family informational sessions), the annual ELPA summative assessment, procedures for exiting students from the ELD program and post-exit monitoring. She said auditors found multiple instances of noncompliance in each of those categories and identified opportunities to strengthen processes.
"We made a total of 9 recommendations and management has agreed with all 9 of the recommendations," Hanson told the committee. Management representatives Will Flores and Joanna Tobin were present and the report notes the recommendations are primarily directed to the multilingual services team and will require collaboration with the chief of schools to develop accountability protocols.
Board members praised the audit's focus and the district's receptiveness. One committee member noted the importance of tracking students after they exit the program to ensure continued progress and asked that the implementation timeline be monitored.
Hanson said the audit team planned to return in roughly 90 days to discuss the implementation plan the multilingual services team will develop. The report and management's point-by-point responses are included in the packet; Hanson said management's responses are shown in the document in blue font.
Next steps: staff will develop and document the implementation plan, include timelines in the corrective actions, and report progress to the audit committee when the team returns in about 90 days.