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English Language Development

Welcome to English Language Development (ELD) in Vista Unified School District

At Vista Unified School District, we are committed to ensuring English Learners (ELs) receive the support they need to achieve academic success, language proficiency, and reclassification. Our ELD programs are designed to develop English language skills while maintaining students' cultural and linguistic identities.

Whether you are a parent looking for resources, a teacher seeking instructional support, or a student navigating English language learning, this website provides essential information about ELD instruction, assessments, reclassification, and academic support in VUSD.

We believe that language is power—and we are dedicated to empowering our multilingual students to thrive in school, college, and career pathways.

🌍 Introduction to English Language Development (ELD) in VUSD

The ELD Program in Vista Unified supports English Learners (ELs) by:
✅ Providing Integrated & Designated ELD instruction aligned with California’s ELD Standards
✅ Ensuring high-quality, engaging, and culturally responsive instruction in all subject areas
✅ Supporting teachers with professional development, coaching, and instructional resources
✅ Implementing ELPAC assessments and reclassification criteria to track student progress
✅ Partnering with parents and families through workshops, ELAC/DELAC meetings, and school-community engagement

What is ELD?

  • Integrated ELD: Teachers use strategies to develop English skills within core subjects (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies).
  • Designated ELD: Dedicated instructional time for explicit language development, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

VUSD is committed to closing achievement gaps for ELs and ensuring all students have the language and academic skills necessary for college, careers, and beyond.

🎯 Mission & Vision for English Learners in VUSD

🌟 Our Mission

The English Language Development (ELD) Program in Vista Unified is dedicated to:

  • Developing high levels of English proficiency while maintaining students’ linguistic and cultural assets.
  • Ensuring academic success for all English Learners through rigorous and engaging instruction.
  • Providing teachers with the tools and training needed to effectively support multilingual learners.
  • Partnering with families to create a supportive learning environment for English Learners at school and home.

🌍 Our Vision

  • All English Learners in VUSD will achieve English proficiency, master academic content, and graduate ready for college and career.
  • We embrace multilingualism as a strength and provide equitable opportunities for all ELs to develop biliteracy and academic success.
  • We cultivate a culture of inclusivity where ELs feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their highest potential.

📞 Contact Information for ELD Staff

If you have questions about ELD programs, ELPAC testing, reclassification, or student support, please contact us:

📍 Director of Multilingual Programs

  • Rafael Olavide 
  • Email: rafaelolavide@vistausd.org
  • Phone: 760-724-6783 Ext.92111

📍 ELD Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

  • Amy Glenn – ELD Support
    • Email: amyglenn@vistausd.org
    • Phone: 760-724-6783 Ext. 92142

 

ENGLISH LEARNER MASTER PLAN

  • The English Learner Master Plan of Vista Unified is designed to ensure that all English learners have equitable access to a high-quality education.
  • The plan focuses on strategies to close the achievement gap for English learners and ensure that they have the opportunity to reach their academic potential.
  • The plan also emphasizes the creation of strong partnerships between school staff, families, and community members to support English learners in their linguistic and academic development.
  • By implementing the English Learner Master Plan, Vista Unified is committed to providing all English learners with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential. HERE