(December 19, 2001) — The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) met for the first time Dec. 4 to address the needs of Clark’s English Language Development (ELD) students. The 18 parents in attendance will voice opinions or concerns and receive important information about the students in this program. During the meeting, Principal Doug Dall discussed upcoming events at Clark to inform parents of activities on campus. Leading this program are English teachers Mary Mardirosian, Carol Elaine Pettegrew and Maral Guarino. The three related district news, talked about how ELD functions and discussed ways students can move up to different levels of English. According to Guarino, most parents of ELD students are learning the language themselves and are hesitant to be more involved in the schools. This committee will serve as an opportunity for parents to become more aware about their children’s schooling as well as function as a forum where parents can ask specific questions about the school and the curriculum. Translators will be present during meetings. “I would like parents to be more comfortable in school and with the programs available here,” said Guarino. Sophomore Ashot Mirzayan was present at the meeting and said that “ELAC will help my parents know more about what I’m doing in school.” Any student who speaks a native language other than English is required to take a three-part test to enter the Glendale Unified School District. Depending on their scores, students may be placed in certain classes in ELD. They are placed in two separate English classes for reading and writing for an extensive study of the language. In order to move out of the ELD program, students must pass an end of the year course exam. Guarino said that ELAC plans to meet on a more regular schedule and campaign to get parents more involved. Meanwhile, ELD students are preparing to pass all the necessary tests to move out of the program. There are also plans, according to Guarino, to establish an honor roll for ELD where students will be recognized for their outstanding efforts.