Categorical Programs

English Learners

El Segundo Unified School District provides English Learners (EL) with a challenging core curriculum that develops proficiency in English. All ESUSD teachers hold appropriate credentials to apply SDAIE strategies and provide a Sheltered English immersion Program. The district assesses proficiency of English Learners using the ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessment for California) 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 EL program, please download the ESUSD ELD Program Info, or contact Sean Brandlin sbrandlin@esusd.net

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

English Language Development Standards

English Learner (EL) Parent Info Night PDF

English Learner (EL) Parent Info Night Recording

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE):
The El Segundo Unified School District is committed to an educational program that recognizes the unique value, needs, and talents of individual students. The continuum of our entire educational program, from kindergarten through 12th grade, uses the Graduate Profile as a guide and is designed to provide access to appropriate and unique learning opportunities through a variety of strategies, including differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and special programs for all learners. This philosophy not only aligns with our district goal, but also with the GATE learning philosophy and is ingrained in every single classroom within ESUSD.  

Our educational philosophy aims to:

  • Increase the application of critical & creative thinking and problem-solving abilities

  • Encourage students to become empowered learners, competent communicators, resilient individuals and global leaders 

  • Promote social-emotional well-being and on-going learning

  • Stimulate creative approaches to new and existing problems

  • Motivate students to reach their highest potential

  • Meet student needs through a variety of methods and opportunities that promote intellectual peer interaction and collaboration 

  • Address the needs of and celebrate the differences in our diverse student population

  • Allow for a personalized learning approach where students are encouraged to demonstrate their learning through a variety of means

GATE Identification and Assessment Procedure:
We are planning to offer a GATE Identification Assessment for the 2024-25 school year in spring

Helpful Links:

Resources for Parent/Teacher Support

  • Khan Academy   Sample Daily Instructional Schedules and Resources (all grades; can be used at home or with Google Hangout, Zoom or Skype video) 

  • Emotional Support  (all grades) Resources and ideas to support with social-emotional wellbeing, including anxiety, stress, and depression 

  • Thinking Skills (Grades 3-6) Thinking skills activities including logic puzzles and math brainteasers

Any questions can be directed to our district GATE coordinator, Emily Moran (emoran@esusd.net)

Proposition 28 - Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act.

What is the Prop 28?
On November 8, 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28 - Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act. This initiative mandates the establishment of a new, ongoing program to support arts instruction in schools, starting in the 2023-2024 school year. Proposition 28 aims to enhance, not replace, existing arts and music education programs.

Funding Allocation
The California Department of Education (CDE) will automatically allocate funds to each K-12 school district. This allocation will follow the methodology specified in subdivision (c) of Education Code Section 8820. The distribution is based on two key factors:

  • The school district's share of statewide total enrollment.

  • The share of economically disadvantaged students enrolled at each eligible school within the school district.

Expenditure Requirements
Proposition 28 includes specific expenditure requirements for school districts with more than 500 students:

  • At least 80% of the funds must be used to employ certificated and classified employees who provide arts education instruction.

  • The remaining funds can be used for training, supplies, curriculum development, professional learning, materials, and arts educational partnership programs.

  • By supporting arts and music education, Proposition 28 ensures that our students receive a well-rounded education that includes creative and cultural development. For more information, we encourage you to review the California Department of Education - Proposition 28 - Arts and Music in Schools Funding FAQs.