English Language Development

What Is English Language Development (ELD)?

• ELD helps students whose primary language is not English. It supports them in developing language skills, academic achievement, and cultural understanding.

• Vista Unified’s ELD program fosters English proficiency while honoring each child’s cultural identity. The goal is student success in school, college, and future careers.

• Parent Support and Resources

• Workshops and Meetings:
  Parents can attend English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC/DELAC) meetings to learn about programs and advocate for their children.

• Family Resources:
  Guides, workshops, bilingual communication, and support for non-English-speaking parents are available.

• Adult ESL and Citizenship Classes:
  Vista Adult School offers classes for parents who want to improve their own English skills or work toward citizenship.

EL Parent Workshop 2025-26

September 2025

Types of ELD Programs

• Structured English Immersion (SEI):
  Almost all instruction is in English, supported by special curriculum and strategies for English learners. Available in every Vista Unified school, grades K-12.

• Dual Language Immersion (DLI):
  Available at select elementary schools (Alamosa Park, Grapevine, Hannalei, Madison Midle School and Roosvelt Middle School). 
  Students learn in both English and Spanish, building bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural skills. Welcomes both English and Spanish speakers.

Brochure- English and Spanish 

 LanguageAcquisitionProgramsVUSD.pdf

How Does ELD Work?

• Integrated ELD:
  English learning happens alongside regular classroom instruction.

• Designated ELD:
  Specific instruction time each day focused only on English language skills, following California’s ELD standards.

Who Can Help?

• School Teachers and ELD Resource Teachers :
  Every school has trained ELD staff.

• Department Contacts:
  For Dual Language, Multilingual Programs, and ELD:

  • Rafael Olavide, Director of Multilingual Programs and ELD

  • See your school’s ELD Teacher Specialist for help.

📞 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

📍Staff Secretary II

• Sandy Morales  
  • Email: sandramorales@vistausd.org
  • Phone: 760-724-6783 Ext. 92141

How Is Progress Measured?

• ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessment for California):
  Used each year to measure growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

• Reclassification:
  When a child reaches fluency, they can be “reclassified” as proficient in English. Parents are active partners in this process, which considers test scores, teacher input, and academic performance.