English Learner Advisory Committee

The English Learner Advisory Committee is comprised of parents, staff, and community members specifically designated to advise school officials on program services for English learners.

Requirement

Each California public school with 21 or more English learners must form an English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).

Responsibilities

The ELAC shall be responsible for the following tasks:

• Advising the principal and staff in the development of a site plan for English learners and submitting the plan to the School Site Council for consideration of inclusion in the School Plan for Student Achievement.

• Assisting in the development of the schoolwide needs' assessment.

• Ways to make parents aware of the importance of regular school attendance.

• Each ELAC shall have the opportunity to elect at least one member to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). Districts with 31 or more ELACs may use a system of proportional or regional representation.

Composition Requirements

Parents or guardians of English learners shall constitute at least the same percentage of the ELAC membership as their children represent of the student body.

Elections

The parents or guardians of English learners shall elect the parent members of ELAC. Parents or guardians of English learners shall be provided the opportunity to vote in the election.

Training

ELAC members shall receive training materials and training which will assist them in carrying out their required advisory responsibilities. Training shall be planned in full consultation with committee members, and funds from appropriate resources may be used to meet the costs of providing the training to include costs associated with the attendance of members at training sessions.

Legal References

• California Education Code, sections 35147, 52176(b) and (c), 62002.5, and 64001(a)

• California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 11308

What are ELAC Parent Meetings?

• ELAC is a group of families, teachers, administrators, and school personnel. Having an ELAC is a state requirement of schools that have 21 or more English Language Learners. 

• ELAC is where school personnel shares important information about the educational program for students learning English, including attendance, state tests and assessments, number of languages and English Language Learners, academic supports, community resources, and school programs and events. 

• ELAC is a place where families can share their ideas with school personnel and learn about the school system.

• ELAC advises the school on the development of the school plan and the school needs assessments. It is the advisory committee for the state program for the students learning English.

• ELAC meetings are bilingual in English and Spanish.

ELAC is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the school and participate in your child's education!

Why come to ELAC?

• Students do best when their families are involved in their education! ELAC provides information that helps you stay connected to your child's learning and academic progress.

• It's an opportunity to ask questions you have about the school and to have your voice heard!

•  Come find out about school and community resources!

• It's a great way to meet other families!