A school district or charter school operating a language acquisition program for ELs serving 100 or more ELs or in which ELs comprise at least five percent of the district’s or charter school’s student population, whichever is less, are required to establish an English Learner Parent Advisory Committee (ELPAC). Abby Kelly is required to annually notify parents of ELs of the opportunity to participate in the ELPAC, and a clause has been added to the parent notification that is sent home annually.
ELPAC membership is voluntary and is open to all parents of students identified or previously identified as ELs. To the extent feasible, the ELPAC should include members who represent the native languages most commonly spoken by the students in the district or school.
ELPACs advise school districts, school committees, and boards of trustees on matters related to English learners. A school district or school may also ask the ELPAC to provide advice or recommendations on other matters. The ELPAC can also provide school officials with advice on topics that parents believe are important to ELs.