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Apple Valley Unified reports rising reclassification rates and demand for dual‑language immersion
Summary
District staff presented ELPAC and reclassification data showing increased numbers of students moving toward reclassification, described expansion of dual language immersion (DLI) demand and wait lists, and parents highlighted student outcomes and the Seal of Biliteracy.
Sylvia, a teacher on assignment in the district’s English Learner department, gave trustees a data update on English learners and the district’s dual language immersion (DLI) program.
Sylvia said the district tested roughly 1,319 students on the 2023‑24 ELPAC and that about 47.8% of those tested were “making progress toward reclassification.” She highlighted that reclassification numbers are growing year over year, and that the district has issued 99 Seals of Biliteracy this year—87 in Spanish and several in other languages—while setting a goal to reach triple digits next year.
She also briefed trustees on the DLI program rollout: the program is moving into a second grade cohort next year, a third kindergarten cohort is starting, and Vanguard—one DLI site—has a significant kindergarten wait list with more than 150 incoming kindergarteners and 73 families requesting the DLI program.
Parent perspectives: Two district advisory committee parents, Felipe Hernandez and Marita Aragon, told the board they had witnessed clear academic gains after reclassification and praised the district’s resources and outreach. Hernandez noted a family outcome: his son is “graduating next week with his associate degree in mathematics,” citing that school support had contributed to that result.
Why it matters: Reclassification trends, growth in biliteracy recognitions, and strong demand for DLI seats reflect long‑term program investments and will shape enrollment planning and staffing. Trustees asked about pathways to the high‑school Seal of Biliteracy and were told that state rules limit application to high school seniors, although prerequisites can be met earlier.
Trustee questions and next steps: Trustees discussed how to expand DLI sites and how to ensure prerequisites for the Seal of Biliteracy are accessible to students before senior year. Administration said they will continue monitoring assessments, reclassification criteria and capacity, and will report back on enrollment and program expansion.
