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DELAC urges stronger multilingual instruction, family partnerships and two-way communication
Summary
DELAC leaders and student speakers told the San Francisco school board that targeted instruction, better family outreach and two-way translated communication must be prioritized to improve outcomes for multilingual learners; commissioners pressed staff on newcomer program enrollment drops and measurement of coaching impact.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education heard members of the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) present three recommendations for the coming school year: effective instruction for multilingual learners, building school culture and belonging, and authentic family partnership. Johnson Damden Suden introduced the committee's process and said youth leaders conducted empathy interviews to center student voice.
Student leaders and parent members described local successes and gaps. "Effective instruction, if achieved, can change lives," one parent leader said, urging the board and superintendent to act "ASAP." Carolina Corningho, a junior at Balboa High School, described being reclassified after sustained supports and called for more training for content teachers, especially in math. Jason Singolellana, a DLAC youth leader, highlighted ethnic-studies classes and AVID supports that helped students feel represented and prepared for college.
Commissioners pressed staff on how the recommendations will be implemented and measured. Several board members cited data shared in the Q&A that, they said, showed a drop in the share of newcomer students enrolled in newcomer programs from 85% five years ago to 46% today while the district added roughly 800 newcomer students. Superintendent Hsu said staff will develop a clearer newcomer pathway and improve enrollment-center communication so families are made aware of program options at the point of entry.
DELAC asked for improved two-way communication tools for families and clearer ELPAC testing notices in multiple languages. Vice President Huling and others asked whether the district meant ParentVUE specifically or a broader set of translation/communication tools. DLAC and staff said the request includes both interface improvements and additional community-centered communication strategies; they also noted funding constraints for technology add-ons and stressed the need for cross-departmental planning.
The board thanked presenters and directed staff to return with more specific implementation and budget implications in future reports.
