Categorical Programs

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

El Segundo Unified School District provides English Language Learners (ELL) with a challenging core curriculum that develops proficiency in English. All ESUSD teachers hold appropriate credentials to apply SDAIE strategies and provide sheltered English immersion. The district assesses proficiency of English Language Learners using the CELDT test on an annual basis and monitors the progress of Redesignated Fluent English Proficient students for a minimum of two years. For more information on the ELL program, please download the ESUSD ELD Program Info, or contact Carie Oulashian at coulashian@esusd.net

Please click on the link below to access the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Learners (ELL).

http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/er/eldstandards.asp

GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE)

Philosophy

The El Segundo Unified School District is committed to an educational program that recognizes the unique value, needs, and talents of individual students. The GATE Program is designed to provide access to appropriate and unique learning opportunities through a variety of strategies including differentiated instruction and project-based assessment.

The program endeavors to:

· Increase the application of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

· Promote social-emotional well-being

· Stimulate creative abilities

· Motivate students to reach their highest potential

· Meet student needs through flexible grouping and opportunities that promote intellectual peer interaction

· Provide equal opportunity and access to enrichment for a diverse student body

· Supply a fundamental understanding and application of technology to real-world problem solving

GATE Identification Criteria and Process

The district conducts a universal GATE screening for students in grades 3 in May of every school year. 3rd grade students can opt-in to take either the online version of the OLSAT or NNAT assessment to determine eligibility into the GATE program beginning in 4^th grade. Students must score a 95 or higher on either assessment to be eligible for the program. Students looking to qualify under Visual and Performing Arts must take either the OLSAT or NNAT and submit a portfolio for Committee review.

While the ESUSD will consider previous GATE certification of students transferring in to the district, students must qualify for GATE in the El Segundo Unified School District by adhering to the requirements for GATE certification of district students. Parents must notify the District Coordinator of any previous GATE eligibility or referral upon registration. The OLSAT will be administered to these transfer students in a timely manner in the Fall of the new school year.

Please see the attached GATE brochure to for more information on the program.

Resources:

www.cagifted.org (California Association for the Gifted)

www.nagc.org (National Association for Gifted Children)