Mary Campbell, Administrator

The Language Acquisition Branch is comprised of a central office and another unit of professionals committed to improving services for the District’s English learners. This unit is the Asian Pacific and Other Languages (APOLO) and Dual Language Programs Office. The Language Acquisition Branch promotes academic excellence, equity, and access for the District’s 326,893 English learners. The District has developed a variety of instructional programs to best meet the needs of these students. The programs are designed to close the achievement gap between English learners and native English speaking students. The District’s Master Plan for English Learners describes the programs and services that assist English learners to:

Achieve academic proficiency in all dimensions of the English language

Attain academic achievement in all content areas

Develop a positive self-image by acknowledging the linguistic and cultural gifts English learners and their families contribute to the teaching and learning act

Function effectively and harmoniously in a multicultural society

To carry out our mission, the Language Acquisition Branch:

Administers programs that help every child learn English and academic content at high levels

Provides professional development for the implementation of all Master Plan instructional services: English Language

Development (ELD), Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE), Primary Language Instruction, and Primary Language Support

Provides leadership to ensure that federal, state, and district policy related decisions focus on the best interests of English learners

Collaborates with the Local District English Learner Program staff and other district programs to promote best practices and to strengthen and coordinate services for English learners

Monitors federal and state funded English learner programs and grants and provides technical assistance to ensure that the programs focus on outcomes and accountability

In addition, the Language Acquisition Branch recognizes the pivotal role of parents as partners in the education of their children and works closely with the District’s English Learner Advisory Committee to provide essential information, education, and involvement activities.

Asian Pacific and Other Languages/Dual Language Office

The Asian Pacific and Other Languages/Dual Language Office of the Los Angeles Unified School District is the unit identified to assist schools providing instruction to English Learners participating in various unique and specially funded programs. Each of these areas of assistance is described below.

Dual Language Programs

The office supports implementation of dual language programs district wide at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The District currently offers students at selected schools the option of participating in a Spanish/English or a Korean/English dual language program. Program design and type vary by school and language.

The office supports implementation of dual language programs by coordinating applications for Federal, State, and Local funding; setting guidelines for implementation of new programs; establishing district policy regarding program implementation; collecting and evaluating performance data; and providing staff development to local district dual language staff and school site administrators charged with implementation and oversight of dual language programs.