The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself and welcomed council members. Next, she began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council. 

Next, members introduced themselves then participated in an interactive ice breaker activity in which members were able to get to know each other.

Next, Ms. Castillo introduced special guests Kelly Dimarco, Director of Workforce Development and Dr. Arkeia Thomas, Director of Graduation Assurance. Dr. Thomas shared part one of the presentation on the graduation requirements for high school students and career tech opportunities within Jefferson Parish Schools. This presentation included information on graduation pathways, LEAP 2025 requirements, Members also learned about additional forms needed for graduation forms which included FAFSA, LOSFA and Louisiana Workforce Commission Parental Consent form. 

Ms. Dimarco shared part two of the presentation which addressed career tech opportunities within Jefferson Parish Schools. Ms. Dimarco presented information regarding “Fast Forward” opportunities which include higher education choices, community and businesses partnerships and school districts. She explained that the goal is to build students to be ready for the next level of education regardless if a students’ graduation plan is to attend college or go into the workforce. Members were given information on dual enrollment, apprenticeships and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Next, members participate in a rapid fire discussion which includes topics such as ESL staffing, graduation requirements and processes that are currently in place for new ELL students.

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by reviewing topics for the meeting. Ms Castillo also shared reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation. 

The Superintendent’s English Language Learners (ELL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself and welcomed council members. Next, she began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council.

Next, members introduced themselves then participated in an interactive icebreaker activity in which members were able to get to know each other.

Next, Ms. Castillo shared a presentation on English Learners in JP Schools. This presentation included updated data for student enrollment, home language percentages of students, strategic initiatives, instructional approaches, ELPT data and models that support preparing for success for English Learning students. Ms. Castillo explained the current ELPT data results and the 22-23 school year ELPT results by grade level. “Students must show improvement each school year”, said Ms. Castillo. She explained that the district continues to review and analyze data to enhance support. She explained that the dedicated team of ESL professionals are carefully selected to enhance language support, which ensures a comprehensive educational experience.

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members. Members were encouraged to participate in a rapid-fire with Dr. Gray. Dr. Gray and members had open discussions for topics such as teachers' storage, communication concerns for families, potential community partnerships, student testing concerns and graduation pathways for students. “The district is consistently working towards closing the communication gap with families," said Dr. Gray.

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by reviewing topics for the meeting. Ms Castillo also shared reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation.

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Next, she began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council. 

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and informed members that councils were designed to have two way communication with stakeholders in efforts to close communication gaps. Dr. Gray explained that this is the sixth year that JP Schools has hosted Superintendent Councils but this is the first year for the EL Council. “We are excited to have an EL Council,” said Dr. Gray.

Next, Ms. Castillo shared a presentation on English Learners in JP Schools. This presentation included data for student enrollment, home language percentages of students, strategic initiatives, instructional approaches, ELPT outcomes and models that support preparing for success for English Learning students. Ms. Castillo explained that models used in JP Schools are designed to address the needs for EL students and produce successful outcomes during academic years. “Our goal is that every student shows growth each year,” said Ms. Castillo. She explained that the dedicated team of ESL professionals are carefully selected to enhance language support, which ensures a comprehensive educational experience.

Next, the group reviewed future meeting topics. Members participated in a small group activity to brainstorm additional meeting topics for future meetings. Members presented their ideas to the group for discussion. Future meeting topics shared included:

• Graduation options for students who can’t pass LEAP since many immigrant students don’t have any options if they can’t pass LEAP and therefore believe that they can’t graduate and drop out of school. 

• Bullying & Discrimination against students new to the country who don’t speak the language

• Dual Language attendance zone options for students who move out of district from a DL School as transportation is not provided for students who apply for an option to stay 

• Recruiting the best teachers, and bilingual employees

Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions to Dr. Gray. Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation.