Students who have not achieved academic language proficiency with the English language have the opportunity to participate in the Cary District 26 English Language Learners (EL) program. The D26 EL program includes: Dual Language at Oak Knoll and Three Oaks, Bilingual (Spanish) support Cary Junior High, EL Resource support (any language) at all schools for eligible students.  The EL Resource instructional program provides students the opportunity to develop academic and linguistic proficiencies to listen, speak, read, and write in English in their general education classrooms.

Dual Language classes, available for eligible students in PreK to 4th grade provide instruction in Spanish and English with the goal of developing bilingualism, biliteracy, multiculturalism, and academic proficiencies in both languages. High-impact instructional practices support students as they learn English and grade-level skills, concepts, and vocabulary in all content areas.

Vision
The District 26 EL program will foster language development and academic achievement.

Mission
Cary EL students will become self-sufficient life-long learners.

We believe..

• Students will become proficient in English and Spanish.
• We share the responsibility of ensuring that second language learners develop linguistic and academic skills to become productive members of society
• Every student has potential to learn and deserves the best education that can be provided
• EL students will receive appropriate support with the EL teacher
• It is important to respect and enhance individual cultures of all second language learners
• Our school community should be educated about effective pedagogy regarding second language learners
• EL students will be held accountable within their language proficiency
• Teachers will have high, yet realistic expectations
• The educating of EL students is the responsibility of the entire school community
• English learners will be taught through grade-appropriate curriculum, instruction, and assessment
• Parent involvement and support is a major factor in student success
• Parents of EL students will be provided opportunities to be informed about their child’s education

English Learning (EL) Programs

• Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC)
• Plan Bilingual Parent Workshops
• Hold monthly articulation meetings with EL Teachers
• Assessment for English Learning Program and English Learners
• WIDA™ and W-APT™ Screeners are administered to K-8 students to determine EL placement in the program.  This assessment tool is used by Educators to measure the English Language proficiency of students who have recently arrived in the United States or new to the district.
• ACCESS for ELs® is a standard based state mandated annual assessment designed to measure English Learners' social and academic proficiency in English.  It assesses social and instructional English as well as the language associated with language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies within the school context across the four language domains.

 Grants

• TPI Bilingual Grant  (Transitional Program of Instruction - EL Program)
• TBE Bilingual Grant (Transitional Bilingual Education - EL Program)
• Title III – LIPLEPS (Language Instruction Educational Program for Limited English Proficient Students)