Instructional Programs for
English Learners
The Riverside Unified School District provides
the following instructional program options for
children in grades K-12 who are learning
English as a second language.
Initial
instructional placement in these programs is
determined by the student’s English language
level on the California English Language
Development Test (CELDT).
In subsequent
years, however, multiple assessment measures,
including the CELDT, are used to assist with
placement.
Parents should know what
programs are offered at their school site.
Parents are encouraged to call the school
principal and the teacher to discuss their child’s
instructional program or seek additional
information.
K-12 STRUCTURED ENGLISH IMMERSION
(SEI) PROGRAM
This program:

Provides English Language Development (ELD)
for English Learners with Beginning, Early
Intermediate and Intermediate level skills in
listening, speaking, reading and writing English.

Defines ELD instruction as explicit, systematic
oral language and literacy development that is
provided by an authorized, trained teacher.

Provides “Specially Designed Academic
Instruction in English” (SDAIE) strategies in
Language Arts, Math, Science, & Social Studies
that are taught at the students’ language ability
levels by an authorized, trained teacher.

Conducts all lessons in English and may use
primary language for clarification purposes only.

Uses supplemental instructional materials that
are designed for English language development.

Promotes rapid English language development as
the program’s main focus.
K-6 DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
SPANISH/ENGLISH
(Parental Exception Waiver required)
K-12 ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAINSTREAM
PROGRAM
This program:

Provides English Language Development (ELD) for
English Learners with Early Advanced and
Advanced level skills in listening, speaking, reading
and writing English.

Defines ELD instruction as explicit, systematic
instruction that is designed to augment and refine
oral language and literacy development. This
instruction is provided by an authorized, trained
teacher.

Level of instruction and content are more rigorous
but continue to be supported through appropriate
instructional strategies.

Course of study and the instructional materials are
specially designed to prepare your child for
reclassification as English proficient

Provides “Specially Designed Academic Instruction
in English” (SDAIE) strategies in Language Arts,
Math, Science, and Social Studies when needed
that are taught by an authorized, trained teacher.

Promotes rapid English language development as
the program’s main focus.
K-12 ALTERNATIVE
Bilingual/Spanish Instructional Program
(Parental Exception Waiver required)
This program:

Is offered at a school where 20 or more parents
of students in the same grade level have an
approved Parental Exception Waiver. Student
may transfer to another RUSD school in which an
Alternative Program is offered. Parent
transportation is required.

Includes instruction conducted in English and in
the primary language.

Provides explicit systematic English oral language
development that is taught by an authorized,
trained teacher.

Uses instructional materials in English and in the
primary language.

Promotes fluent proficiency in English as the
program’s main goal.
This parent-choice program:

Provides English speaking and Spanish speaking
students the opportunity to learn to read, write,
and communicate effectively in English and
Spanish while achieving high levels of academic
achievement.

Begins in kindergarten and requires
participation through sixth grade in order for
students to reach high levels of proficiency in
two languages.

Provides specially designed instruction in both
English and in Spanish.

Provides explicit systematic English oral
language development to English learners that
is taught by an authorized, trained teacher.

Offers students the opportunity to develop an
understanding of and an appreciation for other
cultures, develop a high self-esteem and
experience positive interactions with people
from other cultures and countries.
RECLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
(Exit from the Instructional Programs for English Learners)




CELDT overall score of Early Advanced or Advanced
on CELDT with no subtest lower than Intermediate.
California Standards Test (CST) score of Basic -325
or higher on English language arts.
Teacher recommendation after reviewing student’s
academic performance, including grades and
proficiency levels in core academic subjects.
Parent consultation.
All of the instructional programs described on
this page may be provided to English Learners
through the following settings:

Self-Contained classroom by an authorized,
trained teacher

Team teaching by authorized, trained teacher

An authorized trained specialist or resource
teacher
ENGLISH LEARNER PLACEMENT AND
PARENTAL EXCEPTION WAIVER PROCEDURES
1.
Language Assessment: All students with a
language other than English indicated on the
Home Language Survey must be assessed for
English language proficiency within 30 days of
enrollment using the California English Language
Development Test (CELDT). The CELDT results,
initial program services, and placement forms are
given to parents/guardians within 30 days of
enrollment or the start of school.
2. Placement Options: All placement options,
including alternative program options, are
explained in the District Programs for English
Learners, A Guide for Parents brochure that is
given to parents/guardians with the CELDT results
and placement letter.
Programs include:
 Structured English Immersion Program (for
students at CELDT levels Beginning, Early
Intermediate and Intermediate).
 English Language Mainstream Program (for
students at CELDT levels Early Advanced or
Advanced).
 Alternative Program (for students with an
approved Parental Exception Waiver
Request).
3. Parental Exception Waiver Procedure: A
parent may waive the requirement that their child
be taught in a Structured English Immersion
classroom in order to participate in an Alternative
Program. All Parental Exception Waiver requests
will be evaluated against the criteria for waivers
indicated below and are subject to approval by the
district administrator. State guidelines require the
following procedure:
 Parent/guardian must request, complete,
and submit the “Parental Exception Waiver”
form at the school site. The waiver request
form must be submitted and approved each
year.
 Parent/guardian must meet with the school
administrator and be given a full written
description of the SEI and all district
programs and materials used.
 Within 20 days, school/district acts on the
waiver request and notifies parent/guardian
of the decision.

Parents/guardians may appeal the
decision by following the district “Uniform
Complaint Procedure” process.

Student continues to be classified as an
English Learner until all reclassification
criteria is met.
4. Criteria for Waivers: (California
Education Code Sections 311a, 311b,
311c)
(a) Student already knows English.
(b) Student is 10 years of age or older.
(c) Student is under 10 years of age
and was placed in an English
Language classroom for 30 calendar
days and special needs exist
(physical, psychological, emotional,
or educational).
Welcome to the
Riverside Unified School District
Board of Education
Mts. Patricia Lock-Dawson
President
Mr. Tom Hunt
Vice President
Mrs. Kathy Allavie
Clerk
Mrs. Gayle Cloud
PROGRAM SERVICES
FOR
ENGLISH LEARNERS
Grades K-12
Member
Mr. Brent Lee
Member
David Hansen, Ed.D
Superintendent
Judi Paredes
Assistant Superintendent
Instructional Services Department
Bill Ermert, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Instructional Services Department
Form: 27-4160
6/7/2014
Academic English Learner
and
Student Support
3380 Fourteenth Street
Riverside, California 92501
(951)788–7135 ~ Ext. 45106
FAX: (951) 778-5672