Alyssa Taibi - Chapter 7:ELs Who Opt Out of EL Programs by Alyssa Taibi

"Parents have the right to opt their child out of EL programs or particular EL services." pg. 1

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-03 04:05:59 UTC

This point matters to me as a teacher because, at the end of the day, listening and understanding parents, to me, is a huge deal. Listening to their concerns and the information they have on their child will help you be a better expert on the student. I think this is also something important to note because sometimes we may not agree with what a parent wants to do/does; however, it is important we remember and understand that they are just a concerned parent wanting the best for their child.

"Notification to opt a child back into EL programs or particular EL services." pg. 8

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-05 04:58:24 UTC

This point is actually one of the tools for staff to use if working with EL students. To expand on this quote, it is referring to a form to provide documentation when a parent decides to opt their EL child back into EL programs or particular EL services. Having and filing documentation is so important, especially for bigger changes like this. With this written documentation, you avoid any confusion of who requested what, including when, how, why, etc.

"Sample EL programs and services opt-out notification." pg. 6

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-05 05:11:13 UTC

This point is important to me as a teacher because having and filing documentation of decisions made as a group, by parents, staff, or any other means, is vital to ensure that everyone involved in helping the EL student is on the same page. Likewise, if there were ever any disagreements or misunderstandings, having these documents, such as this one regarding opting out of EL programs and services, as well as information on the child's rights, is essential.

"TOOL #1 Statutorily required elements of parent notification letter" pg. 4

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-08 03:01:02 UTC

This point is a tool used by staff to serve English learners who opt out of EL programs. This is important to me because it helps me follow the rules/laws that are put in place. It is so important to make sure you fill out documents and take the right steps in this situation, and these tools and corresponding guidelines help you do that.

"LEAs may not recommend that a parent opt a child out of EL programs or services for any reason." pg. 1

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-08 03:15:56 UTC

This is an important quote to me because an LEA plays a huge role in the programs and services for English learners. They provide assistance, information, and even a language translator (or translation), if needed, to the parents of an EL. Parents must have all the information and know what is going on so THEY can make the best decision for their child.

"If a parent decides to opt his or her child out of EL programs or particular EL services, that child retains his or her status as an EL." pg. 2

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-08 03:27:09 UTC

As a teacher, this is important to me because it's crucial to understand that opting out doesn't remove your responsibility to support the English learner's development. You are still required to differentiate instruction and monitor progress—even if they’re not receiving formal EL services.

"The LEA must continue to monitor periodically the opted-out students’ academic progress." pg. 2

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-08 03:37:31 UTC

This is important because even if the EL opts out, you still need to monitor the student's progress in both language acquisition and content areas. This may involve collecting and analyzing data like test scores, grades, attendance, and classroom performance.

You May Be Asked to Implement EL Strategies Without Formal EL Services

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-08 03:44:44 UTC

"Providing supports for the student’s language acquisition, such as offering professional development in second language acquisition to the student’s core curriculum teachers." pg. 2

This is important because if an EL student is opted out but struggling, you may be expected to incorporate language development strategies into your teaching, even if you're not an EL specialist. You might also need professional development in this area.

An annual ELP Assessment is still required - pg. 2

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-08 03:49:11 UTC

This is important to me because, as a teacher, I will need to be aware of and possibly assist with the annual English Language Proficiency testing, as the results may influence instructional decisions and needed intervention, even for any ELs who are opted out.

Communication and Documentation Are Critical pg. 1-2

ataibi2004 — 2025-09-08 03:55:15 UTC

As a teacher, this is important because you're likely part of the communication chain with families and responsible for documenting concerns and progress. Ensuring that parents are well-informed and that all actions are recorded is vital to compliance and student success.