Superintendent's English Language Learners Council

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council meeting was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of English Learner Equity, who opened the session by reviewing the agenda and group norms.

To begin, members engaged in a reflective “Speed Connections” activity. They paired up to discuss the question, “What’s one thing you wish more people understood about English learners?” Several members shared their perspectives with the full group, which led into a broader discussion about what defines an English learner and the stages of English language development.

Ms. Castillo then presented a summary of the EL Council’s impact. In small groups, members participated in an interactive activity focused on discussing recommendations for future EL Council actions, reflecting on their experiences as council members, ways to strengthen connections with families and stakeholders, and their top priorities for the upcoming year.

The council then transitioned into a whole-group discussion with Superintendent Dr. James Gray, reviewing and reflecting on the key themes and ideas that emerged from the small-group conversations.

Ms. Castillo also announced two major district accomplishments: JP Schools’ recognition as the recipient of the 2026 NIET District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness, and state certification of all dual language schools.

The meeting concluded with members completing a feedback form on the day’s council session.

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council meeting was led by Claudia Varela, ESL Coordinator. Ms. Varela began by introducing herself and inviting council members to introduce themselves as well. She then reviewed the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and desired outcomes. Members participated in an interactive icebreaker activity designed to help everyone get to know one another better.

Ms. Varela provided a recap of the previous meeting and welcomed Laura Roussel, Chief Academic Officer, to participate in a rapid-fire question-and-answer session. The discussion included topics such as previous ICE concerns, the impact of attendance, current policies and procedures, and the support provided by schools and the district. Council members expressed appreciation for the district’s transparency and support during the challenging period, especially as they worked directly with students and families.

Ms. Varela then presented “Highlight: ESL Coaching Model,” which focused on ensuring equity and access for English Learners (ELs). She emphasized, “In Jefferson Parish Schools, we believe that every child with language learner barriers can learn with adequate support.”

She explained the importance of providing comprehensive support through strong collaboration among teachers, students, and families. The ESL Coach serves as both a language acquisition specialist and a parent engagement liaison, helping bridge the gap between schools and families, as well as between research and classroom practice. ESL Coaches work alongside teachers in the classroom to provide instructional support and strengthen strategies that benefit English Learners.

Council members learned about the components of the ESL Coaching Model, including promoting equity through coaching, providing targeted support for teachers, and using data collection to inform instruction and measure impact.

Members then participated in small-group discussions centered on the following questions:

1. In what ways does the ESL Coaching Model positively impact English Learners?
2. How effectively does the model support classroom teachers?
3. If the model were working at its best, what would we see happening in classrooms?

After the discussions, members shared their reflections with the full group. Ms. Varela concluded by highlighting key takeaways from the meeting, including the importance of ensuring equity and access for English Learners, building teacher capacity, and maintaining a clear vision for high-quality implementation.

To close the meeting, Ms. Varela encouraged members to complete the meeting evaluation.

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council meeting was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity and Acquisition. Ms. Castillo began by introducing herself, followed by introductions from council members. Members then participated in a holiday-themed icebreaker activity designed to help them learn more about one another.

Mrs. Castillo reviewed the meeting’s agenda, purpose, norms, and desired outcomes. She then shared insights on several key topics within Jefferson Parish Schools, including a review of the policy for the School Administrators’ Guide to ICE Enforcement on School Property and district messaging to our communities.

Council members participated in an interactive activity where they shared their worries, concerns, hopes, and supports related to ICE and discussed resources that would help families during this time. An open discussion followed, allowing members to provide feedback and ideas. Members also identified current district supports that are within the district’s control, as well as challenges that cannot be controlled.

Superintendent Dr. Gray joined the discussion and responded to questions, including inquiries about the option for virtual learning. Dr. Gray shared that virtual learning is not currently viable due to legal authorization. Mrs. Castillo reminded families of the importance of submitting parent notes for absences and utilizing seat-time recovery options for high school students.

Mrs. Castillo concluded by emphasizing that the district has multiple systems and supports in place to assist students and families during this time.

Following this, members had the opportunity to share their thoughts and ask questions of Dr. Gray. The discussion focused on gaining clarity around the policies reviewed during the meeting. Dr. Gray shared that the district’s policies and messaging are transparent, publicly available, and open for community access.

Next, Mrs. Castillo announced that Jefferson Parish Schools has earned a “B” district rating for the second consecutive year. She then shared a presentation highlighting the district’s Performance Scores (DPS), which included information on:

• JP Schools’ historical overall DPS
• The reduction of F-rated schools — as of 2025, the district has zero F-rated schools
• Grade Level DPS Components 
• JP High Schools Credentials Earned
• SPS Growth 5+ points
• Top-achieving schools within the state
• Graduation Rate and Strength of Diploma

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation. 

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Next, members participated in an icebreaker activity that encouraged them to learn more about each other. Next, Ms. Castillo began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council.

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and thanked them for their support. He shared  the significance of the school environment, particularly for English language learners. “Schools are not only essential for their academic progress but also for supporting their mental and emotional well-being,” said Dr. Gray. To meet these needs, Jefferson Parish Schools offer a wide range of resources tailored to English language learners.

Next, Ms. Castillo presented insights on English Learners in Jefferson Parish Schools. Her presentation included data on student enrollment, the percentage of students’ home languages, four strategic initiatives, instructional approaches, dual language and newcomer programs, 2025 English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) outcomes, and models designed to support English Learners’ success.

Ms. Castillo highlighted that Jefferson Parish Schools have shown consistent growth in overall ELPT scores over the past five years. “This is important because it means our students are meeting their proficiency targets,” she explained.

Members then reviewed the statewide trajectory table, with Ms. Castillo emphasizing that the district is held accountable for ensuring students meet these trajectory measures.

She also discussed the instructional approach, noting that students learn language and content simultaneously. Research supports this method as more effective than teaching language separately before content. “If we were to separate the two, we would see a significant decline in overall language development, instructional learning, and an increase in negative behaviors,” Ms. Castillo said.

Next, Ms. Castillo reviewed the staff members in her department, helping members better understand the workflow and team structure. She also shared that the district provides interpreter request forms, which can be submitted to ensure interpreters are available at meetings, including district-led events such as board meetings.

Next, the group reviewed potential topics for future meetings. Members took part in a small group activity to brainstorm additional ideas, which they later shared with the full group for discussion.

The suggested topics included:

• Offering supplemental programs and resources automatically, without requiring families to make a request
• Supporting student mental health
• Digitizing the registration and enrollment process
• Encouraging families to be transparent and provide all requested information to schools
• Ensuring emergency notices are translated into all languages and shared on social media

Dr. Kaela Lewis, Executive Director of Communication, addressed the final point by explaining that the Communications and Translation teams work closely to ensure all important information, including emergency notices, are translated and shared via social media. She clarified that while images or graphics may not be translated, the captions containing critical information are automatically translated on each user’s device based on their language settings.

Following this, members had the opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Gray. The discussions with Dr. Gray focused on several topics, including teacher raises, district-funded pay increases, safety measures, disciplinary actions related to drugs and weapons, and the need for cultural competency training for faculty and staff. Dr. Gray explained that while the district cannot make cultural competency training mandatory, optional opportunities are available for staff and faculty at the school level. He concluded by encouraging members to reach out directly to their school leaders to address any concerns or issues.

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation.

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council.

Next, Ms. Castillo shared a presentation highlighting the 2024-2025 English Language Learners Council summary. 

Next, members participated in a small group activity in which they discussed recommendations for the future. Each small group selected a different focus area to discuss. The highlighted topics included positive outcomes, methods to better connect with stakeholders, top priorities to focus on next year and where to advertise to attract more bilingual candidates for positions in JP Schools. Each small group shared their responses. 

Next, Superintendent Dr. James Gray welcomed council members and thanked them for being a part of this years’ council. Dr. Gray and members participated in open discussions.

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by reminding members and encouraging them to participate in the meeting evaluation. 

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Next, Ms. Castillo began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council.

Ms. Castillo then reviewed minutes from the December 2024 council meeting. Key topics discussed were cultural competency for all, professional development for all teachers who work with EL students, trauma informed training and JP Schools enhancing communication efforts to stakeholders for available resources. Members participated in group discussions.

Next, Ms. Castillo shared a presentation that focused on guidance regarding equal access to education. Members participated in group discussions that shared perspectives and professional experiences related to the topics. 

Dr. Ester Calante, Coordinator of Dual Language Instruction, shared a presentation that focused on dual language programs. Members participated in group discussions that shared perspectives and professional experiences related to the topics. 

Ms. Castillo invited Laura Roussel, Chief of Academic Officer, to share a few words with council members. 

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation. 

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Next, members participated in an icebreaker activity that encouraged them to learn more about each other. Next, Ms. Castillo began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council.

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and thanked them for their support. He then shared the importance of Jefferson Parish Schools being intentional about everything. “Teachers play an important role in the lives of students”, said Dr. Gray. Next, he shared that the school setting is crucial for English language learners both academically and their mental well-being. Jefferson Parish Schools provides an abundance of resources for this group of students. “Over the past 5 years, state performance scores have continued to increase for English language learners and special education students,” said Dr. Gray.

Next, Ms. Castillo shared a presentation that provided insights on English Learners in Jefferson Parish Schools. This presentation included data for student enrollment, home language percentages of students, four strategic initiatives, instructional approaches, English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) outcomes and models that support preparing for success for English Learning students. “The overall goal is to help students no longer be an English learner. This means that they have successful learned the language.” said Ms. Castillo. ESL Coaches are in place to provide support to our students.

Next, the group reviewed future meeting topics. Members participated in a small group activity to brainstorm additional meeting topics for future meetings. Members presented their ideas to the group for discussion. 

Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions to Dr. Gray. 

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation.

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Next, members participated in an icebreaker activity that encouraged them to learn more about each other. Next, Ms. Castillo began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council.

Next, Ms. Castillo reviewed topics brainstormed during the last meeting which include strategies to welcome and work with English Learners, family engagement/parent onboarding and professional development for teachers. Members then participated in a small group activity in which each small group participated in small group discussions on each topic. Each group shared their feedback. 

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and thanked them for their support. Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions to Dr. Gray. 

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation.