ELE + ELPAC
At Bridge Boston, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging, joyful, and inclusive school community—one that honors their identities, experiences, and families. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their English language proficiency, have full access to our curriculum and school programming.
English Language Education Program
Bridge Boston provides comprehensive English Language Education (ELE) services that align with federal and state requirements. Our English Learners (ELs) receive support both through sheltered content instruction and through targeted small-group instruction that builds proficiency across the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
Each year, ELs participate in the WIDA ACCESS assessment to measure annual growth in English language proficiency. Throughout the year, our EL teachers provide instruction that is data-driven, rigorous, and culturally responsive. Progress is monitored quarterly and shared with general education teachers, families, and students to ensure instruction remains aligned with each learner’s needs through the lens of ACCESS proficiency.
Once ACCESS scores are released in the spring, our instructional teams collaborate to analyze the data, celebrate growth, and refine supports to further accelerate language development. Our ultimate goal is for every English Learner to reach proficiency and transition to Former EL (FEL) status—confident and prepared to thrive in all academic settings.
ELPAC
The English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) is a group made up of parents and caregivers of English Learners (ELs) and Former English Learners (FELs). ELPAC gives families a chance to share their ideas, ask questions, and give feedback about how the school supports students who are learning English. It’s also a way for families to stay informed and help shape programs and services for multilingual students.
All families of ELs and FELs are welcome to attend ELPAC meetings!
Massachusetts law requires schools where more than 5% of students are English Learners to hold ELPAC meetings.
ELPAC Meetings
ELPAC meetings are held quarterly at Bridge Boston, with one meeting aligned to a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) session to minimize the number of separate events families need to attend. Meeting notices are sent home in advance, and personalized reminders are also sent to families through TalkingPoints.
The ELPAC will discuss a variety of topics such as the planning and development of our ELL program.
ELPAC Mission and Goals:
Foster understanding, respect, and support for all students with English language learning needs.
Build a strong network of parents of English Learners and provide a forum to share experiences, resources, and information.
Advise the English Language Learners Dean of Coaching & Intervention (ELL DCI) on the development and operation of ELL programs, including training needs for parents and teachers, and policy development.
Promote open communication between families, school staff, and administration.
Support community-wide programs that encourage the inclusion and acceptance of English Learners.
Offer informational sessions for parents on a regular basis to support engagement and learning.
Contact Information:
To ask questions or learn more, email our English Language Learners Dean of Coaching & Intervention Elle Thompson.
Resource list:
