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SDLA Compliance Resource

Maintain a Functioning School English Learner Advisory Committee

A parent-elected advisory body with lawful composition, training, open meetings, required advice, and an effective handoff to school planning and DELAC.

  • ELAC
  • English Learners
  • Family Engagement
Date(s)Annual locally scheduled cycle; establish at each public school with 21 or more English learners
Applies toCalifornia public schools enrolling 21 or more English learners

In Plain Language: Ensure EL parents elect parent members, the committee’s composition reflects the required EL-parent proportion, members receive consultation-based training, meetings follow open-meeting rules, and the school responds to required advice.

Why this matters

ELAC is not a staff presentation audience. It creates a formal route for families closest to the program to examine needs, attendance, planning, and services and to influence school decisions.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: principal or EL program designee for support and compliance; ELAC members own their advice and elections. Partners: EL parents, teachers, SSC/SPSA lead, attendance, DELAC representative, interpreters, and district EL staff.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Verify the 21-EL trigger and publish accessible election information to all EL families.
  2. 2. Conduct parent elections; document composition and elect at least one DELAC representative or use the authorized representation scheme.
  3. 3. Consult members about needs, then provide adequate training and materials.
  4. 4. Calendar open meetings for required advisory work, including school needs, EL program/SPSA, attendance awareness, and other current duties.
  5. 5. Record recommendations and the school/district response; hand district-level advice to DELAC.

Implementation pathway

Trigger/roster
Parent election
Composition/training
Advisory meetings
Response/DELAC

Evidence to retain

  • EL count and trigger
  • Election notice/ballots/results
  • Membership/composition
  • Training materials
  • Agendas, minutes, advice, and responses

Official guidance and help

Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify current federal and California requirements, CDE/FCC guidance, local policy, public-meeting procedures, records, and final submitted or adopted state before acting.