English Learner Family Information 

Welcome to ACCESS

ACCESS is a program of the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) that provides schools and educational services for students who need additional support to continue their education and achieve their goals.

Our programs serve students who, for a variety of reasons, are not attending a traditional school. At ACCESS, students can recover credits, improve attendance, develop life skills, and continue making progress toward graduation and their future plans.

We also support students who are learning English so they can develop their language skills while continuing to learn their academic subjects.

If your child attends an ACCESS school, you are an important part of their success. When families stay involved and work together with the school, students have more opportunities to reach their goals.

What is an English Learner (E.L.)?

Many students in our schools speak a language other than English at home. These students are known as English Learners, or ELs.

Being an English Learner simply means that a student is learning English while continuing to learn subjects such as math, science, history, and reading.

How Is a Student Identified as an English Learner?

When a family enrolls a child in a California school, they are asked what language is spoken at home. If a language other than English is indicated, the student takes an assessment to determine their current level of English proficiency.

This information helps the school determine whether the student would benefit from additional support while learning English.

What Is the Goal?

Our goal is for students to learn English while continuing to make academic progress.

With the right support, students develop the skills they need to participate confidently in class, complete their schoolwork, and achieve their educational goals.

When a student demonstrates that they can understand, speak, read, and write English at the level needed for success in school, they are reclassified as Reclassified Fluent English Proficient (RFEP).

Reclassification is an important milestone that reflects a student's hard work, growth, and dedication.

How Can You Get More Involved?

You are your child's first teacher, and your involvement makes a big difference. Research shows that when families stay involved in their children's education, students are more successful in school.

One great way to get involved is by attending meetings of the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC).

DELAC is a group of parents, family members, and school staff who work together to support students who are learning English. During meetings, families receive information about programs, resources, student rights, and educational opportunities. They can also share their ideas, ask questions, and help improve the services provided to students.

All families of English Learners are welcome.

Your voice matters. Your experiences, ideas, and questions help strengthen our schools and create better opportunities for all students.

We hope to see you at an upcoming DELAC meeting!