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Welcome to La Sernas LDP Office!
La Serna High Schools Language Development Program (L.D.P.) was specifically designed to meet the academic and language development needs of the English learners. These students represent approximately 11% of the schools enrollment, come from different countries, and speak approximately 18 different languages (the majority of these students are Spanish speakers).
The goals of the Language Development Program reflect the Districts commitment to quality education for ALL students. Therefore, students in the Language Development Program are also expected to:
Attain high levels of English proficiency.
Achieve success/parity in all academic areas.
Experience positive psychological adjustment to School and to a multicultural society.
English learner (EL) students receive a comprehensive program at La Serna High School. They are placed in one of three levels of English Language Development instruction. While developing skills in English, the students are enrolled in academic courses required to meet graduation and/or college entrance requirements. For Spanish speakers with little or no proficiency in English, there are core content classes taught through their primary language. Students with intermediate fluency in English are placed in Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) classes where teachers utilize special methodologies that enable comprehension of the language and the content. There are currently 11 E.L.D. classes, 1 Primary Language Instruction class, 2 Spanish for Native Speakers class and 9 academic S.D.A.I.E. classes in the Language Development Program. As English learners develop proficiency in English, they are gradually mainstreamed into General Program classes.
How can I get involved?
The Whittier High School District is committed to empowering parents to become active participants in their childrens education. Therefore, at the time of enrollment, the students and the parents receive information on how they can become actively involved in the educational process. Furthermore, parents are encouraged to attend the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee meetings, which are held in the La Serna library. Flyers in English and Spanish are sent home one week before our Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee meeting. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Language Development Program.
The Language Development Program also oversees a satellite office known as the Student Resource Center. This center is equipped with computers as well as other instructional supplies, which enable EL students to meet the demands of their academic courses. In addition, the Student Center houses our Bilingual Specialists and an after school tutoring program where tutoring in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English is available.
The Expanded Horizons club is another avenue through which our Language Development Program students educational experiences are personalized. Expanded Horizons provides a variety of student leadership positions, club, and extracurricular activities, which enable students to use their time and special talents in a positive manner. Expanded Horizons is not only a club for English learners; it is a club striving to generate extracurricular activities for ALL La Serna students to participate in and get involved.
