On November 22, 2017, Governor Baker signed into law the Language Opportunity for Our Kids Act (LOOK Act). The goal of this new law is to improve the education of English learners (ELs). The law has created more opportunities for input from parents and guardians of English learners in language acquisition programs.
What are ELPACs?
English learner parent advisory councils are made up of parents and legal guardians of English learners.
How can I get involved?
Membership is voluntary and is open to all parents and legal guardians of students who are or have been identified as English learners.
Who is required to create and support ELPACs?
School districts or charter schools with 100 or more English learners or in which English learners comprise 5% of the student body, whichever is less, are required to establish ELPACs. Schools designated as underperforming or chronically underperforming must also establish ELPACs.
What are the duties of ELPACs?
ELPAC duties include but are not limited to:
- Creating by-laws (rules) regarding officers and operational procedures;
- Advising the school district, school committee, and board of trustees on matters related to English learners;
- Meeting regularly with school or district leaders to participate in the planning and development of programs to improve educational opportunities for English learners;
- Advising the district or school on any new proposed language acquisition programs;
- Reviewing district and school improvement plans as they relate to English learners; and
- Meeting at least annually with the school committee or school council.
The success of ELPACs depends on building supportive and trusting collaborative partnerships among and between parents, school staff and leaders, and community members. Please go to https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/look-act.html for more information on ELPACs. Translated copies of this information can be found at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/families/elpac/default.html.
If you are interested in the Lawrence Public Schools ELPAC, please email
