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Parent Committees

ELAC-English Learner Advisory Committee

English Learner Advisory Committee. It is a school-level committee in California public schools that is designed to support and advocate for students who are learning English as a second language.

🏫 What Does ELAC Do?

ELAC is responsible for:

  • Advising the principal and school staff on programs and services for English learners
  • Help develop the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) with a focus on English learners
  • Assisting in the schoolwide needs assessment
  • Promoting the importance of regular school attendance
  • Electing a representative to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

     

👥 Who Is Involved?

  • Parents of English learners (must make up a percentage of the committee equal to the percentage of English learners at the school)
  • School staff and community members
  • Members are elected by parents or guardians of English learners

📚 Why It Matters

ELAC ensures that the voices of English learner families are heard in school decision-making. It helps schools:

  • Provide better support for language development
  • Create inclusive learning environments
  • Build strong partnerships with families


SSC-School Site Council

A School Site Council (SSC) is a group of elected parents, teachers, school staff, and sometimes students who work together to improve student achievement at their school. This is a requirement for most public schools in California that receive certain types of funding.

🏫 What Does the School Site Council Do?

The SSC is responsible for:

  • Developing and approving the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA), which outlines goals and strategies to improve student outcomes
  • Reviewing and allocating school funds, especially those from federal and state programs like Title I
  • Conducting needs assessments using school data
  • Monitoring progress and making adjustments to the plan as needed 

     

👥 Who Serves on the SSC?

The council typically includes:

  • Parents or guardians
  • Teachers
  • School staff (like classified employees)
  • The principal
  • Students (in middle and high schools)

The number of members and their roles are defined by law, and members are usually elected by their peers.

🌟 Why It Matters

  • Gives families and staff a voice in school decisions
  • Helps ensure that resources are used effectively
  • Builds transparency and collaboration between the school and community