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District presents dual‑language program data and proposes a task force to address communication and scheduling concerns
Summary
Director Julie Williams presented enrollment and I‑Ready averages showing dual‑language students generally performing at or above opt‑outs, described a community survey with mixed feedback, and proposed a task force and handbook to improve communication and participation processes.
Julie Williams, director of multilingual and culturally responsive education, presented a dual‑language program update and recommended forming a task force to improve program design, timelines and family communication.
Williams summarized enrollment and I‑Ready averages for K–3 and said the results show dual‑language students scoring comparably or slightly higher than students who have opted out. "For grade 1 in ELA, average I‑Ready for dual‑language was 4.83 and opt‑outs 4.63," she said, and provided similar comparisons across grades and for math.
Williams also reviewed a January community survey of 201 respondents: 70% were parents/guardians; 65% reported they understand the program’s goals and structure, but only 38% agreed instructional resources were adequate and 46% said communication about the program is clear and accessible. Williams said 53% believe the program supports academic growth and 55% that it aids language development, but she acknowledged concerns about scheduling, program design, and family engagement.
"By creating avenues for parent input, the task force will also work on communication, collaboration, examples for district newsletters through ParentSquare, opt‑out process, timelines to register and informational nights," Williams said. She described required ELL legal frameworks in the transcript as "Part 154" and cited requirements that inform program design.
Board members and students who participated in the presentation praised student fluency and recommended publishing comparative trajectory data and student interviews on the district website to demonstrate long‑term outcomes. The board expressed support for the task force and next steps to draft a district handbook and community engagement plan.
