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NorthPark's AVID Excel pilot shows strong ELD reclassification rates, presenters say
Summary
District and school presenters told the El Rancho Unified board that AVID Excel, a structured ELD program piloted at NorthPark Academy, produced substantial growth: 62% of the pilot class reclassified out of ELD, with other students moving multiple ELPAC levels. Trustees asked about scaling and benchmarks.
Presenters at the Jan. 21 El Rancho Unified board meeting described AVID Excel, an English-learner-focused branch of AVID piloted at NorthPark Academy, and reported early outcomes the district framed as promising.
A presenter described how the program restructures classes by language ability and uses "scholar groups" instead of traditional tutorials. The pilot moved from a small seventh-grade cohort to a larger set of sixth through eighth graders this school year to expand its reach.
On outcomes, presenters said the AVID Excel pilot class had notable reclassification results: "62 percent of the class reclassified and moved out of the ELD program," the presentation reported. Additional pilot gains included students moving from ELPAC level 2 to level 3 and other within-level improvements.
Trustees praised the equity focus of enrolling long-term English learners (LTELs) in the AVID Excel pathway and asked about criteria for placement, expansion plans and funding. Presenters said the program is implemented through a three-year training cycle and that sustainable scaling will require a full site-team investment. Funding sources cited included Title III and local LCAP allocations directed at English learners; presenters said they expected district-level funds and grant lines to support broader implementation.
Trustee questions asked for benchmarks and reclassification data to be shared with the board; presenters said they use partner surveys and ELPAC-related monitoring as part of evaluation and that reclassification happens at specific points (LPAC/semester reporting).
What's next: The district said it plans to evaluate the pilot over its three-year rollout and to consider expansion to other middle schools once the program is fully implemented at NorthPark. Trustees requested additional data and a plan for districtwide scaling.
