A Word from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction

California has the most diverse student population in the world, with more than 100 languages spoken in the homes of those students. Today, our student population is “majority-minority.” Forty-one percent of our students speak a language other than English at home, and a quarter of all California public school students are struggling to learn the English language in school.  

Sadly, too many people view such diversity as a big problem. I don’t. Instead, I say: Imagine the potential of that diversity in today’s and tomorrow’s –global economy. If we educate these students well, our state would not only be able to compete more effectively, but it would be able to lead our nation and the world economically.  

Jack O’Connell, Superintendent of Public Instruction

State of Education remarks, 2006  

About G.U.S.D English Learner Program

English Learners face the daunting task of learning the academic curriculum and a new language concurrently. They need to learn English quickly enough and fluently enough to participate in academic work, and like all children, learn grade level mathematics, reading/language arts, social studies, and science.  

The law governing the educational services for English Learners is varied and consists of both state and federal requirements. Federal law clearly takes precedence over state law if there is a conflict. Therefore, districts must ensure that they comply with all federal requirements while also implementing state requirements.  

Program for English Learners in Gilroy Unified School District  

Within the Educational Services Division, under the guidance of Dr. Basha Millhollen, Assistant Superintendent, meeting the needs of English Learners (EL) is a team approach.   

Marilyn Ayala, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Intervention, is responsible for the core and supplemental curriculum plan and materials designed to ensure that EL have access to a rigorous, standards-based curriculum along with appropriate support for the rapid and efficient acquisition of the English language. This includes management of the textbook adoption process and professional development for teachers to implement the curriculum.  

Please click on the following link to view the

Master Plan for Services to English Learners

Haga cliq en el siguiente enlace para ver el

Plan Maestro de Servicios para Estudiantes Aprendices de Ingles Como Segunda Lengua